Tottenham could have the player in question in their squad next week as they aim for an imminent return to training.
Sunday’s north London derby could not have been a more dramatic moment in Tottenham’s tumultuous season.
Igor Tudor will be in charge of his first game as Spurs manager against their fiercest rivals Arsenal, and the Croatian will be given the unenviable task of steadying a ship that has been rocking badly for months.
For two previous managers, this was a club that had just won the Europa League.
Tottenham currently sit just five points above the Premier League relegation zone and are without a win in eight games in the top flight.
Thomas Frank paid the price for his miserable run last week. Former Juventus manager Tudor had perhaps the most pressured debut of his managerial career – but history is at least on his side, having won his first game with each of his last five clubs.
Arsenal likely to be without ‘talented’ player against Tottenham as injury return schedule shared
His return is still some way off.
Meanwhile, Arsenal arrive at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium feeling nervous.
The Gunners have recently dropped points against Wolves and know that a loss here could seriously dent their title race. Neither side is willing to budge.
With Spurs captain Cristian Romero still serving a four-game ban and the long-term injury list hampering Tudor’s options, Sunday’s clash is expected to be intense and will make for a tough viewing for the home fans.
But amidst the tension and turmoil of a season that has gone sideways, there is at least one quietly positive story coming out of the Hotspur Way, even if it has little to do with the first team.
Mason Melia close to return from injury at Tottenham
BBC Sport’s Nizar Kinsella reports that Tottenham’s highly-rated teenage striker Mason Melia is close to returning to training next week.
The 18-year-old Irishman joined Spurs in January from St Patrick’s Athletic in a deal worth £1.6 million, which could rise to £3.2 million with add-ons, a record amount for a player to leave Irish League football.
His arrival was long awaited.
The level of interest in him across Europe was very high as Spurs beat competition from the likes of Everton, Chelsea, Man City, Celtic, Genk, Bologna and Eintracht Frankfurt to sign his signature.
The decision to loan fellow striker Dane Scarlett to Hibernian for the remainder of the season was made with Melia’s impending arrival firmly in mind.
The only stumbling block was a mild back complaint that Tottenham’s medical staff identified when he first walked in the door. Although it was not deemed to be serious, the club took great care to ensure that he was not involved in any competitive activities until the matter was resolved.
That period of patience now appears to be coming to an end.
Melia is expected to initially play for Spurs’ Under-21 team once he is fit, with the possibility of him joining Tudor’s first team if the opportunity arises.
Considering the Spurs’ laborious attack and the pressure Tudor has to produce results right away, it would not be surprising to see Melia develop quickly if he gives it his all.
Igor Tudor admits another Tottenham star has new ‘problems’ days ahead of north London derby
The Croatian will take charge of Spurs for the first time on Sunday.
