At a glance:
- Vicario, Solanke and Maddison updates
- De Zerbi press conference ahead of Leeds
- No fresh injury concerns
Tottenham are out of the relegation zone after successive wins against Wolves and Aston Villa.
Roberto De Zerbi’s impact couldn’t be more obvious and the players are clearly buying into his methods.
That said, Tottenham are still in the relegation battle as they are just a point above 17th-placed West Ham United.
They face Leeds United next on Monday night and a win at home could take them further clear of the drop.
And now, De Zerbi has provided injury updates on James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Guglielmo Vicario ahead of the game.
De Zerbi on Tottenham trio
James Maddison hasn’t featured at all this season after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season under Thomas Frank.
However, in recent weeks, he has been on the bench, although he hasn’t taken to the pitch yet under the Italian.
De Zerbi hailed Maddison as a leader last week and justified his inclusion in the squad despite him not being fully fit.
And now, the Italian feels Tottenham will take it slowly with the Englishman, whose long-term health is of paramount importance.
“I am thinking about James Maddison because I am watching a top, top player.
“Maybe he is not ready yet to play not as a physical condition, but for the rhythm or intensity of the game, you are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world for rhythm and intensity.
Dominic Solanke limped off against Wolves and didn’t feature against Aston Villa.
De Zerbi confirmed that the Englishman faces a race against time to be fit vs Leeds, with Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel expected to lead the line.
“About Solanke, he is improving very quickly. I don’t know if for this game,” said the Italian.
And finally, Vicario is still working his way back up to full fitness after a hernia operation.
Antonin Kinsky has impressed in his absence, and De Zerbi confirms the Czech international will keep his place against Leeds as the Italian is still not fully fit.
“No Vicario is not ready yet. I don’t know what the plan will be.
“He’s suffering because he would like to help the team and his teammates. But he’s not available yet.”
Judging by De Zerbi’s comments, Tottenham are likely to field an unchanged team against Leeds, which is understandable as the players performed admirably against Aston Villa.
