Full Breakdown
Tottenham Faces Chelsea with Record Injury List as De Zerbi Defends Medical Staff
By Drooid · · How we work
Match Preview: Spurs vs Blues at Stamford Bridge
Tottenham Hotspur travel to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League clash that could be their first victory in 42 matches across all competitions. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi warned that the club may be without nine players due to injury when long-term absences are counted, while also noting that Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be without first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who suffered a broken jaw in a recent league game.
Background & Context
Tottenham’s season has been hampered by a spate of fitness problems. De Zerbi highlighted the return of right-back Pedro Porro and described Andy Robertson, Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke as “good” despite lingering concerns. Destiny Udogie remains unavailable, Tosin Adarabioyo is a doubt, and James Maddison missed three training sessions after the win over Coventry. Dejan Kulusevski, back after a long lay-off, will be monitored closely.
Chelsea entered the match after a 2-0 win at Everton and have not received a red card this season. Their recent signing of experienced players was cited by manager Pochettino Alonso as a factor in maintaining composure under pressure.
Injury Toll
- Tottenham: Up to nine players could miss the game, including long-term absentees Lucas Bergvall and Savio Méndez, plus the suspended Bentancur.
- Chelsea: Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is out with a broken jaw; backup Mike Penders is expected to start.
These figures are drawn from statements made by the clubs’ coaching staff and match-day squad announcements.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberto De Zerbi defended the club’s medical department, saying he has “big confidence” in their work and that the current injury situation is “normal in football.” He added that a comprehensive injury report will be produced at season’s end.
Pochettino Alonso stressed the importance of emotional control, noting that “for me it comes a lot with emotional control, with the control of the game.” He linked Chelsea’s recent signings to improved composure, arguing that experienced players help the team stay calm during high-intensity moments.
Alonso also compared Chelsea’s young Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders to his compatriot Thibaut Courtois, recalling a conversation with Courtois during the World Cup in which the Belgian praised Penders’ resemblance to him.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For me it comes a lot with emotional control, with the control of the game,” — Alonso
- “I spoke with Thibaut as well when he was in the World Cup, asking about Mike, and he even said that he could see resemblances with Mike,” — Alonso
What’s Next
The Tottenham-Chelsea fixture will be decided on Saturday evening at Stamford Bridge. Both managers have indicated that squad selection will hinge on the final fitness assessments of the injured players listed above. The outcome could influence Tottenham’s bid to break a prolonged winless streak and Chelsea’s pursuit of consistency after recent victories.