Maddison Doubtful for Chelsea Clash After Scoring on Return — De Zerbi
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| De Zerbi unsure if Maddison will feature against Chelsea |
Tottenham have won once in 41 visits to Stamford Bridge and may be without James Maddison for Saturday's derby despite his goal against Coventry.
De Zerbi wary of risking Maddison for Chelsea after injury return...
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Chelsea after marking his first start in 536 days with a goal in the club's first Premier League win of the season, manager Roberto De Zerbi said on Friday.
Spurs travel to Stamford Bridge following Monday's encouraging 3-1 home win over Coventry City but have managed only one victory there in their last 41 visits in all competitions.
While De Zerbi is cautious about risking the recovering Maddison, Tottenham have been boosted by the return of full backs Pedro Porro and Andy Robertson, as well as forward Omar Marmoush.
“We can also play with Mathys Tel, with Omar Marmoush inside, with Conor Gallagher,” De Zerbi said. “We have more solutions considering Pedro Porro can play.”
However, Spurs will remain without winger Savio and midfielder Lucas Bergvall, while Dejan Kulusevski's involvement is still uncertain after his long-awaited return from a 526-day absence as a late substitute against Coventry.
Left back Destiny Udogie also stays sidelined with a knee problem, having not played since the 1-1 draw at Manchester United earlier this month.
“In the first three days (after the Coventry game), Maddison didn't work with us. I don't know if he's ready for tomorrow,” De Zerbi told a press conference.
“I don’t want to take risks because if you analyse this period of football you can see many injuries, not just for Tottenham.”
The 29-year-old Maddison, who recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff, marked his comeback to the starting lineup by opening the scoring against Coventry with a superb strike.
“We are lucky because in the same position we have many solutions,” De Zerbi said.
“We have to find the best for him and the best for us.”
Tottenham, 16th in the table on six points, have won only once in their last 36 league games at Stamford Bridge, where fourth-placed Chelsea, on 13 points, will be targeting a seventh consecutive league win over Spurs for the first time.
All the latest team news and updates ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge ℹ️ 📲 https://t.co/JhgDfO18ko https://t.co/xNtgG9MBGu
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 23, 2026
“For me, it's one motivation more for the players,” De Zerbi said when asked about Tottenham's abysmal record there.
“I want this negative record to give us more motivation, mentality and energy to win a game. We have the qualities to win this game.”
Taking a closer look at a superb display from James Maddison 🔎 https://t.co/v32oG6vDh6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 23, 2026
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