---
title: "‘Small problem’ – Roberto De Zerbi confirms latest Tottenham injury blow"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/07/31/de-zerbi-confirms-maddison-tottenham-injury-blow/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-07-31T10:31:44Z"
modified: "2026-07-31T10:31:45Z"
---

# ‘Small problem’ – Roberto De Zerbi confirms latest Tottenham injury blow

**It’s been all roses and rainbows for Tottenham Hotspur recently, so naturally something had to happen to dampen the mood.**

Earlier this week, Mateus Fernandes picked up an injury and didn’t feature for Tottenham vs Sydney FC.

Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that it wasn’t a huge injury issue, but nevertheless, the Lilywhites faithful were stressed out when reports emerged that he would be out for a while.

Now, however, the Italian has confirmed that James Maddison will not feature against Chelsea tomorrow due to a small problem.

## James Maddison Tottenham injury blow confirmed

Maddison suffered an ACL injury during the back end of the 2024-25 campaign and was out for almost a year.

He returned to action under De Zerbi last season and made a few appearances as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation.

The Italian has erred on the side of caution with Maddison, who is still working his way back up to full fitness.

> Only senior Spurs players I can't see training here in Sydney among the 22 are Fernandes (expected), Yang and Maddison while Van de Ven is on an exercise bike below us. [pic.twitter.com/yN8Rt4uC3E](https://t.co/yN8Rt4uC3E)
>
> — Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) [July 31, 2026](https://x.com/AlasdairGold/status/2083106306878230654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

And now, De Zerbi confirmed that the Englishman has picked up a small problem and will not be available for the rest of their tour.

“Maddison has a small problem and I said I don’t want to take any risks with anyone on this tour,” said De Zerbi in his pre-Chelsea press conference.

“He had a serious injury last season.”

Neither Maddison nor Fernandes is expected to feature tomorrow as De Zerbi and Xabi Alonso prepare to go head-to-head at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.