Tottenham take charge! Spurs reject national team bid to call up injured player

The 23-year-old sustained a serious knee injury during Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Elfsborg in the Europa League in January this year. Coming on as a substitute at half-time, Dragusin landed awkwardly while trying to clear his lines and in the process damaged his knee.

Romania manager Mircea Lucescu kept Dragusin in his preliminary list of overseas-based players for their two October international games, first a friendly against Moldova on October 9 and three days later a World Cup qualifier at home against Austria. If Romania lose against Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina also beat Cyprus, their dreams of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will be shattered. 

Tottenham, however, are not keen on releasing the defender for international duty as the Premier League side want Dragusin to focus on his day-to-day rehabilitation plan, training and building his fitness steadily under the scrutiny of their medical team.

While Romania could force the issue under FIFA rules, they have accepted Spurs' decision and won't push for Dragusin. Speaking to Fanatik, Lucescu said: "I spoke with him. He was very happy for the national team comeback but I don't think I will call him. Tottenham wasn't so happy to let him come now at the national team. He needs one more month to play again. Radu wants to come, but others warned us it is better to let him train with Tottenham now."