Tottenham have launched an internal review into the factors behind a season heavily disrupted by fitness problems, with particular attention on what has been described as an “unusual” number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Spurs only secured Premier League safety on the final day of the campaign with a 1-0 win over Everton, closing out a season marked by repeated absences of key players across the squad.
The club’s internal audit is being led by performance director Dan Lewindon, who joined from the City Football Group earlier this year, and is tasked with identifying the causes of the disruption.
It is understood Tottenham recorded an average player availability of about 77% last season, with squad members collectively missing more than 2,000 days of action. The club’s internal benchmark is closer to 90% availability and fewer than 1,000 days lost, although officials accept that the target may be difficult to achieve immediately.
ALSO READ: AC Milan approach Iraola after Allegri’s sacking
James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons all suffered long-term ACL injuries, while Dejan Kulusevski missed the entire campaign following surgery on a serious knee injury sustained at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Medical staff have acknowledged that the club have recorded more ACL injuries than expected.
As part of the review, Tottenham are assessing multiple factors, including the condition of the playing surface. The club have analysed the “bounce” at their home pitch compared with rival stadiums and the Enfield training ground, with initial findings showing no major differences, although testing continues.
There is also an internal view that some knee injuries occur without cause, with Odobert’s ACL injury linked to an awkward landing. The club are also confident that on-field handling of Simons’ injury did not worsen the damage, despite criticism after footage showed him being allowed to put weight on the knee.
One of the main areas identified for improvement is a shift towards more individualised medical planning. Performance staff will now develop detailed player profiles covering physical condition, workload and psychological factors to guide treatment and injury prevention.
Medical staff will also work with greater flexibility on rehabilitation programmes, including allowing players to carry out parts of recovery away from the training ground where appropriate. The club have also indicated openness to external medical input, provided there is a single agreed recovery plan, and Tottenham retain overall responsibility for outcomes.
The review will be conducted in close coordination with head coach Roberto de Zerbi and his staff, amid concerns that multiple managerial changes within a short period may have contributed to instability in medical and performance planning.
Tottenham are also planning a more integrated decision-making structure involving the coaching staff, medical department and players in determining when individuals are ready to progress in rehabilitation.
Psychology has also been identified as a key focus area, with the club set to appoint a full-time head of psychology to support both players and staff.
