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Football Insider

Igor Tudor Awaits Key Returns as Tottenham Faces Crucial Relegation Battle

Tottenham manager Igor Tudor is hopeful for a 'nice surprise' as he awaits the returns of James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus from injury. The club faces a crucial match against Nottingham Forest in their battle against relegation.

Igor Tudor Awaits Key Returns as Tottenham Faces Crucial Relegation Battle

Tottenham boss Igor Tudor has revealed he is hoping for a "nice surprise" when it comes to the availability of James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus before the end of the season. The two first-team stars are nursing long-term injury issues but, with Spurs locked in a serious relegation battle, Tudor has revealed they may well boost the north London club's survival hopes before the campaign is out. Spurs face Nottingham Forest this weekend in a huge six-pointer at the bottom of the Premier League table. Spurs are 16th, just one point clear of both West Ham and this weekend's opponents. As a result, a victory is required, but Spurs have already been dealt a significant fitness blow, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario set to undergo surgery on a hernia. He will be available for Sunday's encounter, but will then go under the knife, and faces an absence of between four and six weeks.Nevertheless, Tudor has claimed that he is hoping to see two first-team stars in Kudus and Maddison return soon; the former has been dealing with a hamstring injury and has been out since January, while Maddison sustained an ACL injury in pre-season.Tudor said: “We have these three big weeks after the game on Sunday.“[Kudus will return for] probably some part of things with the squad, maybe in ten days? I'm not sure, we need to check, but he is progressing very well, already with the ball.“Rodrigo [Bentancur]as well, Maddison as well. We hope the medical staff will make us some nice surprise. It will be very, very, very important to have them."Tudor was also asked about the fitness of Dejan Kulusevski, who has not played for the club this season. The Sweden international underwent knee surgery in May and has not been seen on the grass since. Tudor was asked about the potential of the winger returning before the campaign's conclusion but he refused to elaborate on when he is expected to return. Kulusevski is also missing Sweden's World Cup play-off against Ukraine, and if they do reach the tournament, it appears very unlikely he will play a part in the competition. Tudor was asked if he had an update and said: "No, not yet."Spurs have announced a promotional offer this weekend, encouraging fans to file into the stadium early, after fans launched the "All Together Always" campaign designed to encourage fans to vociferously support the club amid their survival fight. The club said in a statement: "This week we have seen an incredible show of unity and support from across our fanbase, driven by the clear message that we are all together, always."Supporters, players and staff alike have shared this rallying call ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Nottingham Forest – and this message will ring through N17 on matchday as we create an unforgettable atmosphere for the ages."With kick-off set for 2.15pm, we’re inviting all fans to arrive early and get involved – full details of what’s in store can be found below."We thank all of the fans and supporter groups who have made this moment possible, including the brilliant volunteers at THFC Flags who are behind our stadium’s most memorable visual displays."Spurs have also pledged to offer a free drink with every drink bought in the build-up to the game for a certain period of time, as a gesture of goodwill towards supporters.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingSpurs simply cannot afford to lose this weekend, especially given the hiatus the Premier League is set to take as the international break looms. Their run-in, after this weekend's clash, features games against Sunderland, Brighton, Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton. 

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Tudor's Optimism Amid Injury Challenges

Tottenham boss Igor Tudor remains optimistic about the return of key players James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus, who are currently sidelined with long-term injuries. With Spurs' precarious position in the relegation battle, the news of their potential return provides a glimmer of hope for the team.

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Crucial Match Against Nottingham Forest

Tottenham's upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest is a must-win game as they aim to secure their Premier League status. The pressure is on as Spurs find themselves in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone. A victory in this crucial six-pointer could be pivotal for their survival hopes.

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Injury Woes Persist

Despite the hopeful news regarding Maddison and Kudus, Tottenham has been dealt another blow with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario set to undergo surgery. His absence will be felt, but Tudor is banking on the potential returns of key players to boost the team's chances in the remaining matches.

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Fan Support and Club Initiatives

In the midst of their survival battle, Tottenham has launched initiatives to rally fan support, including promotional offers and campaigns like 'All Together Always'. The unity displayed by fans and the club's gesture of offering free drinks reflect the importance of solidarity during challenging times.

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Looking Ahead

With a tough run-in ahead, including matches against Sunderland, Brighton, Wolves, and more, Tottenham faces a daunting task to secure their Premier League status. The returns of Maddison and Kudus could prove pivotal in their fight for survival.

Published on Mar 20, 2026