At a glance:
- James Maddison back in Tottenham training
- Englishman benched for last two games
- Maddison could feature against Villa
James Maddison’s absence has been dearly felt by Tottenham this season as they’ve struggled for goals and creativity.
The England international suffered an ACL injury in pre-season and hasn’t featured for the club since.
Maddison was on the bench for Tottenham’s last two games but didn’t get any minutes.
And now, Roberto De Zerbi has revealed whether he will be in contention to play against Aston Villa.
Maddison fully fit for Tottenham
With just four Premier League games left in the season, Tottenham could use a player like Maddison to unlock backlines.
Dejan Kulusevski hasn’t played at all this season and Xavi Simons picked up an ACL injury against Wolves, so the North London outfit are crying out for a creative player.
After taking over the reigns at the club, De Zerbi said Tottenham could be cautious with Maddison. But now, he has suggested that the midfielder is as close to full fitness as he’s ever been.
“I don’t know, I would like to play with him, said the Italian in his pre-match press conference when asked if Maddison could feature vs Villa.
“He’s a special player, he’s a different player, but we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things. But I think he can be important in the next three games.”
De Zerbi drops game plan for Villa clash
If Maddison features, he is likely to be stationed as a No.10, with Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur playing in the deeper midfield roles.
And De Zerbi feels Tottenham have enough quality to play with the ball, which could be enhanced further with the Englishman’s presence.
“Keeping the ball, showing our qualities, because if we have a chance to win the game, it’s because we have great players.
“Fight, run, defend everyone together, with order, with the right organisation, without the ball for sure, because we have to defend.
“We have to attack and keep the ball, and to enjoy with the ball, to try the one-to-one on the wingers’ side, to play when we have the right time and the right space between the lines, that’s my idea.”
Maddison is unlikely to start against Villa.l However, don’t be surprised to see him feature as a second-half substitute in what would be his first appearance of the season. Save our season, Madders!
