Spurs star claims he 'suffered broken bone' before scoring first goal of season

Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic has claimed he suffered a broken finger before netting his first goal of the season on loan at Hamburger SV. The young Croatian centre-back officially joined Tottenham in July after a deal was struck with Hajduk Split back in September 2023.

The 18-year-old caught the eye in pre-season, netting and assisting in a 2-0 friendly victory over League One side Reading, before signing on the dotted line with HSV in late August.

He is now off the mark in the Bundesliga after finding the target in Saturday's 2-1 home victory over Heidenheim. However, Vuskovic has now revealed he fears he fractured his finger when beating his right hand against the post in frustration after missing a chance in the 27th minute.

The teenager told German outlet Hamburger Morgenpost after the game: “I probably broke a finger. It’s an old injury; I broke my finger a few months ago. But I was so angry about missing such a great opportunity that I hit the post with my hand. It will heal, don’t worry."

Vuskovic also shared after rifling in his first goal, adding: “I’m very proud, very emotional, and hope it wasn’t my last goal. I just hoped the goal wouldn’t be taken back."

The Croatia international's injury was evidently minor as the strike came just 18 minutes after he thumped the post in anger. His older brother, Mario, also plays for Hamburg but he is currently unavailable due to a doping ban which will run until November 2026.

Still, Spurs ace Vuskovic has been well received by the HSV faithful, particularly given he snubbed a number of other loan offers from Europe to move to the German side.

He continued when asked to comment on his relationship with his brother: “This means a lot to me. Ever since I started playing football, he’s wished me good luck before every game. I’m really proud to have a brother like that."

Tottenham made it clear they did not want to include a buy-option within the loan agreement with Hamburg as they feel the young prospect has a huge future in north London. Thomas Frank is believed to have weighed up keeping Vuskovic as part of his squad this season but collectively, the club decided his development would be better served with regular minutes.