Roberto De Zerbi press conference latest as Tottenham receive updates on Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison before Chelsea clash
Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night knowing that a point against Chelsea will effectively secure their Premier League status, following West Ham‘s defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.
Spurs have improved since Roberto De Zerbi took over in March, and is currently on a four-match unbeaten run that has helped them climb out of the relegation zone heading into the final two matches of the season.
A difficult trip awaits, however, with Tottenham historically struggling away to Chelsea. Spurs have won just one of their last 35 visits to Stamford Bridge, with their last victory coming in 2018.
On the eve of the match, De Zerbi spoke to the media where he revealed the latest team news of his injury ravaged squad.
All the latest team news from Roberto De Zerbi ahead of our Premier League trip to face Chelsea 🗣️
📲 https://t.co/jSWtZNUVGq pic.twitter.com/d34W9tETTH
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 18, 2026
Vicario available again but Solanke still sidelined
One of the biggest decisions facing the Tottenham head coach concerns his goalkeeper selection. Antonín Kinský has impressed since stepping in for Guglielmo Vicario who has been recovering from hernia surgery.
Now, however, the Italian goalkeeper is back in contention, leaving De Zerbi with a tough decision to make over his starting no.1.
Suggested Articles
“Vicario is available to play. I decide tomorrow,” he said.
De Zerbi was also asked whether it would be difficult to leave out Kinský given the young goalkeeper’s recent form.
“No, it is not difficult. It is easy. Vicario is number one, but we have to consider the physical condition, the momentum and everything,” De Zerbi stated.
“I have a big relationship with Kinský and Vicario as well, and there will be no problem,” added De Zerbi.
Tottenham will still be without Dominic Solanke, though, with the striker not yet ready to return from the hamstring injury he suffered against Wolves.
“Solanke is not good yet. Not available,” said De Zerbi. “He feels something, and I don’t want to take the risk for this game. We hope for Sunday, he can be available for one part of the game.”
Long-term absentees Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus also remain unavailable, but there was more positive news regarding James Maddison after the midfielder recently returned to action against Leeds.
“At the beginning of this week, he didn’t work due to a small problem,” De Zerbi said.
“But yesterday and today, James is working very well. He’s a special player, he’s a different player. Now he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. I want to speak with him tomorrow morning and to take the best decision we can.”
With West Ham losing at Newcastle on Sunday, Tottenham now have the chance to secure survival before the final day with a result at Stamford Bridge.
