Thomas Frank provides latest injury update for talented summer addition; set to return next week

Thomas Frank gives injury update on Kota Takai

Tottenham signed Kota Takai in a £5m deal from Kawasaki Frontale in the first week of July. The defender played a vital role in Kawasaki Frontale winning the Japanese Super Cup in 2024 while also being named the nation’s best young player last year.

Unfortunately, the Japanese international has not managed to clock a single competitive minute for Spurs due to a foot injury sustained in training ground in July. A plantar fasciitis injury is his foot has denied him the opportunity to get into action for his new club, although there is now positive news regarding his injury situation.

Ahead of the Lilywhites’ trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, Frank was asked to provide an update on the injury situation of Takai. The Danish tactician stated that the 21-year-old is now close to returning to team training.

“He is very close to training with the group. I should know because I got told yesterday and I am pretty sure he will train with the group on Monday, pretty sure,” Frank was quoted by Football London.

Tottenham debut vs Doncaster Rovers looks unlikely

Takai expected to join team training on Monday is great news for Frank and Tottenham. He has already missed the pre-season and the opening weeks of the new season, meaning the centre-back is behind his teammates in terms of match fitness.

It will take the Japanese starlet some time to build his fitness and get ready for action. That said, Takai looks unlikely to be fit to face Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. An inclusion in the squad against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday looks realistic, depending purely on his fitness.

Once fit, Takai is set to serve a minor role initially, likely to get minutes off the bench in most cases.