Sports · Football · 16 hrs ago
De Zerbi backs Tottenham medical staff as injuries cloud Chelsea trip
Roberto De Zerbi defended Tottenham’s medical staff amid a run of fitness problems this season.
Tottenham travel to Chelsea on Saturday, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski doubtful after disrupted training following Monday’s win over Coventry.
Maddison had recently returned to the starting lineup after a lengthy injury layoff and scored against Coventry, but De Zerbi said he did not want to risk him.
Several other players remain unavailable or sidelined, including Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall, while Pedro Porro is available.
De Zerbi said Tottenham’s medical staff were working well and that the club would review the situation at the end of the season.
Tottenham have won only once in 41 visits to Chelsea’s ground, but De Zerbi said the poor record should motivate his players.
Roberto De Zerbi defended Tottenham’s medical staff, saying he had confidence in their work despite the club’s injury problems.
James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski were doubts for Tottenham’s Saturday trip to Chelsea after disrupted training.
Pedro Porro, Andy Robertson and Omar Marmoush were available for selection, while several other players remained sidelined.
De Zerbi said Tottenham would review the season’s injury situation at its end.
- Who
- Roberto De Zerbi defended Tottenham’s medical staff.
- What
- He said he had confidence in their work amid the club’s injury problems.
- When
- Friday, October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Tottenham, ahead of its trip to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
- Why
- De Zerbi said the injuries described had circumstances he did not consider the medical staff responsible for.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tottenham beat Coventry City 3-1 at home, with Maddison and Kulusevski featuring.
Maddison did not train with Tottenham for the first three days.
De Zerbi discussed the injury situation and Maddison’s availability at a press conference.
Tottenham were due to travel to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea.
- Tottenham’s league position
- 16th, with six points
- Chelsea’s league position
- Fourth, with 13 points
- Tottenham’s record at Stamford Bridge
- One win in 41 visits in all competitions
- Maddison’s first start
- Scored against Coventry in his first start in 536 days
- Players available
- Pedro Porro, Andy Robertson and Omar Marmoush
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What people are saying
I am convinced our medical staff this season is high level.
I follow them. I believe in them. I have big confidence because I know how they are working.
I don’t want to take risks because if you analyse this period of football you can see many injuries, not just for Tottenham.
I want this negative record to give us more motivation, mentality and energy to win a game.