Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Radu Dragusin reportedly suffered an ACL injury against Elfsborg and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
The Romania international was brought on as a half-time substitute for Micky van de Ven - only back from a hamstring injury himself - in that 3-0 Europa League win, which sealed Spurs' place in the last 16.
However, just 21 minutes after coming off the bench, Dragusin was forced off the field with a worrying knee injury, which he sustained when landing at an awkward angle after swiping at a clearance.
Ange Postecoglou was immediately pessimistic about Dragusin's condition at full time, and Tottenham's worst fears have now come true, according to a report in The Athletic.
The outlet claims that the 23-year-old suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee in that Europa League win, and he will soon undergo an operation with a 'top surgeon' in London.
How long will Dragusin be out for?
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Dragusin is highly unlikely to be back before the end of the campaign, as he is expected to spend around six months recuperating from his procedure before he can be considered for selection again.
Tottenham are apparently hopeful that the centre-back will be fully operational by the summer and could be in contention to return early next season, but Postecoglou must cope without his services for the next few months.
Dragusin has emerged as a fundamental player for Tottenham during their defensive injury crisis, making 28 appearances in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign and starting 14 Premier League matches.
The ex-Juventus and Genoa man joins Cristian Romero in the Tottenham infirmary, although the Argentina international is not believed to be too far away from returning from the thigh injury he suffered in December.
Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison are also taking up beds in the Tottenham treatment room, but Van de Ven is expected to be fine for Thursday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool after being rested for the 2-0 win over Brentford at the weekend.
Who can Tottenham replace Dragusin with?
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The Tottenham doctors are certainly earning their keep this season, but Dragusin's devastating blow at least comes at a time where Spurs have reinforced their defensive ranks with the signing of Kevin Danso.
The Lens loanee is expected to be eligible to make his debut against Liverpool in Thursday's EFL Cup showdown, and it would not be a surprise to see him thrown into the thick of the action straight away.
However, Postecoglou also has Ben Davies, Van de Ven and Archie Gray at his disposal, but as good a job as the latter has done in a makeshift centre-back role, the amount of football he has played may soon take its toll on him.
Tottenham are open to adding another centre-back to their squad before the January transfer window closes at 11pm, and the Lilywhites are believed to have submitted a £20m bid for a Championship centre-back.
Spurs also remain in the running for Chelsea's Axel Disasi, but the Frenchman is currently resisting a move to North London as he is still holding out hope of a switch to Aston Villa.
Ben Knapton
