How Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison could yet keep Tottenham survival hopes alive

Tottenham’s Premier League status is under huge threat, and hope is running dry of survival among many Spurs fans.

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham reign was a huge disappointment, after his work with Brentford promised so much more for him and his team in N17.

Igor Tudor‘s start as interim head coach hasn’t seen an improvement in results nor performances as of yet, with two defeats from his first two games in charge.

As such, Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just four points above West Ham in 18th, with only the equally as poor form from those below them keeping their necks above water.

• Read more: James Maddison’s Tottenham return closer than expected as new footage shared

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison could rescue Tottenham

Tottenham are in desperate need of a hero or two to salvage their season, and possibly their Premier League status.

Where they’re going to find them, however, is currently a mystery, such has been the standard of Spurs’ showings in the midst of their four-straight league defeats.

However, hope may not all be lost just yet, as Tottenham do have two stars currently on the physio table that could yet have something to say about Spurs’ destiny this season.

In the final week of February, training ground footage shared to Tottenham’s social media accounts captured a brief image of James Maddison, fully kitted up, boots and all, ready to head out onto the grass.

The 29-year-old ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle on 3 August last year, and hasn’t been seen since.

But that footage seemed to suggest he’s further down the line to recovery than expected, and he could soon be seen back on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium pitch alongside another of his comrades.

Dejan Kulusevski also hasn’t kicked a ball in anger this season, having suffered a knee injury in May last year that has kept him out of action ever since.

The Sweden international is expected to miss their World Cup qualification semi-final clash with Ukraine on 26 March, but could be primed for a return to action in April.

Getting those two back before the end of the season would change the landscape of the relegation battle entirely, and could provide Spurs with that much-needed match-winning quality to rescue their campaign.

• Read more: Dejan Kulusevski injury timeline becomes clearer as Tottenham star set for extended absence

Tudor must take Maddison and Kulusevski gamble if possible

However, with both Maddison and Kulusevski having suffered significant injuries, Tottenham will want to be careful not to throw them in before they’re ready.

But, if in a few weeks’ time Spurs still haven’t put relegation fears to bed, and even worse, have been dragged into danger even further, then Tudor may have to roll the dice.

Having both given years of excellent service to Tottenham, Maddison and Kulusevski will both be doing everything they can to get fit in time to play some part in Spurs’ relegation battle.

Their presence in the team could be a catalyst for confidence, and so whilst in less pressing circumstances extra care could be taken, but in times such as this for Spurs, even a 70-80 per cent fit version of either of those two would be a huge boost.

For even more Tottenham news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.

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