Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has labelled new arrival Mykhailo Mudryk's injury as "stupid" and has backed the winger to return to action soon.
Chelsea loanee Mudryk made his first competitive appearance in 22 months in the 0-0 draw with Forest on Saturday after he served a suspension for recording an "adverse finding" of banned substance meldonium in 2024, but it will be followed by a lengthy spell out.
Sources told ESPN that the Ukraine international is set to be sidelined until October at the earliest after suffering an ankle injury in training.
"[With] Mudryk, it was a stupid injury and we hope he can come back as soon as possible. For him and for us," De Zerbi told a news conference on Friday.
"For him because he suffered too much and for us because we lost an important player.
"He played 15 minutes in Nottingham, he played well, but it's in the normal process when one player doesn't play for a long time."
Spurs remain without a goal or win in the Premier League after a summer of lavish spending and big changes, but De Zerbi is relaxed.
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"I think we are better than last season, especially the end of the season, many, many injuries. It's difficult to believe right now because we are not winning, we are not scoring, but I'm positive," De Zerbi said.
"I believe in my players, I believe in this group of players. I think the players have big, big qualities, big potential, and now I'm positive."
Information from PA and ESPN's James Olley contributed to this report.
