Roberto De Zerbi provides an injury update on some of Spurs’ stars ahead of the visit of Leeds in the Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur host Leeds United on Monday night with the home side desperate for points to steer themselves clear of the relegation zone. Spurs currently sit a point above the drop, but that could change if West Ham beat Arsenal on Sunday.
Spurs are currently enjoying an upturn in form as they seek to save themselves at the death. Unbeaten in three, they have won their last two games, including last time out away to Aston Villa.
Leeds, meanwhile, will be no easy task as the visitors haven’t lost a Premier League game in over two months. Sitting on 43 points in 14th, they aren’t mathematically safe yet either so could have something to play for if West Ham don’t lose against Arsenal.
Either way, Spurs will need to battle for every point they can get, likely until the final day. To aid his cause, Roberto De Zerbi could use some good news on the fitness front and he spoke to reporters about several of his injury worries on Friday at his press conference.
Vicario not ready yet
One of the first questions concerned goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, but the Spurs manager confirmed he won’t be ready for this weekend. The Italian has missed the last four games after undergoing hernia surgery.
“No, Vicario is not ready yet. I don’t know what the plan will be, but he’s suffering because he would like to help the team, to help his team-mates, but he’s not available yet,” said De Zerbi.
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Doubts over Maddison and Solanke
De Zerbi also addressed the availability of James Maddison, who has missed the whole season so far with a cruciate ligament tear, but has been named on the bench for the last three games without making an appearance. It sounds as if both he and Dominic Solanke are unlikely to feature on Monday.
“I’m thinking about James Maddison, because I’m watching a top, top player, maybe he’s not ready yet to play, but as a physical condition, for the rhythm, for the intensity of the game, we are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in terms of intensity and rhythm, but as a player, it’s great,” said De Zerbi.
“As a coach, watching one player like this, especially for me, because I was number 10, and I’m sensitive in number 10 players, like Xavi Simons, Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus – we have a lot of number 10, but I want to see.
“About Solanke, he’s improving very quickly, I don’t know for this game, I don’t know if he can be available, we hope for the next game in Stamford Bridge.”
Richarlison ready to go
There was better news on Brazilian forward Richarlison, however, after the 28-year-old limped off the pitch during the 1-2 victory at Villa Park. De Zerbi confirmed he has no new concerns after the game against Villa.
“No [we have no fresh injuries]. I’m happy because we are working well. with all the players, another very important week, we have no problems,” said De Zerbi.