At a glance
- James Maddison return close
- Igor Tudor previews Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest
- Dominic Solanke injury update
Tottenham Hotspur will host Nottingham Forest on Sunday in what could be one of the most important games in their recent Premier League history.
Igor Tudor’s side are just a point above their opponents, who are in the relegation zone despite their recent form under Vitor Pereira.
Both sides come into the game on the back of positive results in the Premier League. While Tottenham got a 1-1 draw against Premier League champions Liverpool, Forest played out a 2-2 draw vs Manchester City as they continued to show signs of fight.
The game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a relegation six-pointer if there ever was one.
And Igor Tudor has delivered an interesting fitness update on James Maddison, who was spotted on the grass earlier this week as he continues to recover from his ACL injury.
Maddison in line to play for Tottenham this season
The England international hasn’t featured this season after suffering a long-term injury in pre-season, which came as a massive blow to Tottenham.
However, in recent weeks, he has stepped up his return to full fitness, leading to suggestions that his comeback isn’t far away.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tudor was asked directly if Maddison could play for Tottenham this season, to which he said, “Yeah, Maddison is already doing some interesting things with the ball and sprinting, he is positive.”
Judging by his comments, the elegant midfielder isn’t expected to be in the matchday squad on Sunday. However, Tottenham’s next game after Forest is not until 12th April, giving him more time to get back up to speed.
No timescale has been placed on Maddison’s return, but Tudor’s comments are an indication that he is edging closer to returning to action.
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Tottenham’s injury woes have eased in recent weeks, with Cristian Romero, Conor Gallagher, Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall returning to the squad for the win against Atletico Madrid.
Joao Palhinha is also expected to return this weekend after missing the last two games due to a concussion after colliding with Romero during the first leg in Spain.
Dom Solanke also fit to face Forest
Dominic Solanke missed the second leg against Atleti due to a hip problem, raising concerns about his long-term availability.
However, Tudor has eased fears that the England international could be missing for a prolonged period.
He continued: “Dom [Solanke] didn’t train but probably tomorrow he will train with the team and I think he will be available. He had a hip problem, but I think he will be ok.”
Things are finally starting to look up for Tottenham as they enter the business end of the season.
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They built on their 1-1 draw against Liverpool with a fantastic showing against Atletico Madrid, although they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 5-7 on aggregate, as the damage was already done in the first leg.
With momentum on their side and all the eggs in the Premier League basket, three points against Forest will not only come as a massive boost to their survival hopes but also plunge their opponents deeper into the drop zone.
