The World Cup winner visited a specialist in Spain over the international break to aid his recovery, and De Zerbi said on Friday that the right-back is in contention for a return to the matchday squad.
Having decided not to risk Destiny Udogie against Coventry, De Zerbi has also confirmed his first-choice left-back remains unavailable for selection against Chelsea.
“With the medical staff, we are trying to find the best way for him,” the Spurs boss said in the pre-match press conference. “But after Manchester United, I have not worked with him, and it is a problem.
Loanee Mykhailo Mudryk is expected back soon from an ankle injury, though he is ineligible anyway for Saturday’s game against parent club Chelsea.
De Zerbi, though, played down any fears that they had sustained significant blows and all three are expected to be fit and available, with Marmoush also pictured training at Hotspur Way on Thursday.
Lucas Bergvall (knee) and Savio (muscle) are still out, while long-term absentees Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are progressing but still some way from a return to match action.
There were plenty of positives after Spurs’ 3-1 victory over Coventry, with James Maddison starting his first competitive game since May 2025 and Dejan Kulusevski making his first appearance in nearly 18 months off the bench.
While both players came through the game unscathed, De Zerbi is unsure as to whether they can be involved against Chelsea.
Rodrigo Bentancur, meanwhile, will serve the second game of his three-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester United for headbutting Luke Shaw.