Tottenham Coach De Zerbi Gives Update on Injured Players as Relegation Battle Continues

Tottenham Hotspur are battling to avoid relegation in the Premier League. After two consecutive wins, head coach Roberto De Zerbi stressed that the club cannot consider itself safe and that squad planning must focus on the remaining fixtures. The team’s injury list includes forward Dejan Kulusevski, midfielder James Maddison, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

De Zerbi on Kulusevski’s possible return and Maddison’s fitness

Kulusevski has been rehabilitating abroad after a patella injury and a minor knee-clean-out in March. He hopes to play for Sweden at the World Cup in North America, but De Zerbi said his fitness and eligibility remain uncertain. Maddison, out since an ACL injury in pre-season, is training with the squad and undergoing daily medical checks; the coach has not cleared him to play. Vicario has not returned to training after hernia surgery; De Zerbi confirmed he remains the first-choice goalkeeper but will be assessed before any match involvement.

Roberto De Zerbi delivers Dejan Kulusevski return update after text exchange and makes Vicario claim

De Zerbi declined to outline next-season plans, saying speculation after two wins would be premature. He emphasized that squad decisions are guided by medical assessments, player experience, and the immediate goal of securing points. Regarding Kulusevski, the coach noted the difficulty of judging World Cup readiness without recent game time. For Maddison, De Zerbi highlighted his experience but stressed that a debut will depend on daily health checks. On Vicario, he reiterated the goalkeeper’s status as first-choice while awaiting confirmation of physical readiness.

De Zerbi on Kulusevski’s possible return and Maddison’s fitness

Kulusevski’s potential World Cup participation is uncertain; De Zerbi expressed hope but admitted no detailed injury information. No timeline is provided for Vicario’s return to training. Maddison’s fitness is described as “not yet” ready, without quantitative medical data.

De Zerbi on Kulusevski’s possible return and Maddison’s fitness

• “I don’t know. If you ask me if I’ve any ideas about next season, my answer is no,” — Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham head coach

Roberto De Zerbi delivers Dejan Kulusevski return update after text exchange and makes Vicario claim

• “Yes [he needed a rest] because he worked very hard in Birmingham. I think my mistake was not to substitute him before the end of the game,” — Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi delivers Dejan Kulusevski return update after text exchange and makes Vicario claim

• “It’s not so easy. Maddison has big experience, I think he knows better than anyone when is the right moment. We have to consider we are fighting for a big target but I think he can be important for us and for that I wanted him to be with the team for Brighton, Wolves and Villa,” — Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi delivers Dejan Kulusevski return update after text exchange and makes Vicario claim

• “Vicario is still the first goalkeeper of Tottenham because what Vicario has showed in this season I think is enough to consider him a top player for us.” — Roberto De Zerbi

De Zerbi on Kulusevski’s possible return and Maddison’s fitness

Tottenham face Leeds United on Monday night. De Zerbi said the three injured players will continue daily assessments, and any return could influence the final matches of the season.

De Zerbi on Kulusevski’s possible return and Maddison’s fitness