[SPOTV News reporter Jang Ha-jun] Tottenham Hotspur has launched a sweeping review to identify the root causes of its recurring injury crisis. The club is reassessing everything from the stadium and training-ground turf to its training methods and medical infrastructure.
Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation this season, clinching safety with a win on the final day. Still, a season-long injury toll emerged as the primary reason for the team’s underperformance.
Notably, Savi Simons, Wilson Odobert and James Maddison all suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, while Dejan Kulusevski missed the campaign after knee surgery.
According to the Daily Mail, the club brought in Dan Lewindon — a performance director with City Football Group experience — last October and immediately began probing the spike in injuries.
Initial testing found no meaningful difference in turf rebound between the stadium pitch and the training ground. The club, however, plans to commission external specialists for a deeper analysis, with further testing across both sites and new surface-management protocols to follow.
Players have been outspoken about the situation. After the win over Everton, Maddison said, “Our injury situation has been worse than any other club’s. We need to find out why this keeps happening.”
The internal review also flagged the club’s training structure as an area needing reform. Going forward, players will be managed in small cohorts of four to six, each supported by a dedicated physiotherapist, sports scientist and fitness coach. The club plans to collect more granular player data to deliver individualized training programs.
Managerial turnover also played a role. Tottenham accumulated roughly 2,000 lost player days this season, with average availability around 77%. Thomas Frank was sacked in February, Igor Tudor lasted just 44 days, and Roberto De Zerbi ultimately guided the team to safety.
Different managers brought different tactical demands and training routines, a factor the review says likely contributed to the rise in injuries. De Zerbi is working closely with Director Lewindon and has reportedly requested the addition of a sports psychologist to strengthen the squad’s mental resilience.
The incoming psychologist is expected to help players maintain peak performance under pressure and make the right decisions in pivotal moments.
Repeat injuries have been another headache, with players re-injuring the same areas soon after returning. The club plans to tighten communication between coaches and medical staff and adopt a more cautious approach to return-to-play decisions.
A high-profile example is Savi Simons. During the Wolves match he reported pain in his right knee but, after consulting with medical staff, insisted on continuing. He soon collapsed, was stretchered off and was later diagnosed with a torn ACL. The medical response drew criticism at the time, though reports say Simons pushed to stay on and later apologized to the medical team.
Inside the club, officials say they are confident that a reduction in injuries would allow this squad to challenge for a significantly higher league position.
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