Tottenham Hotspur's survival hopes likely rest on whether they can claim their first Premier League win of 2026 against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, but they could be without starting left back Destiny Udogie for the game.
Roberto De Zerbi believes his Spurs team that has forgotten how to win, and triumph in each of their remaining fixtures to stay in the Premier League. Admittedly, there were encouraging signs last week against Brighton & Hove Albion, but we'd all be thrilled if we merely go one-for-one on Saturday.
One game at a time, eh?
Wolves have been terrible for much of 2025/26, although Rob Edwards' impact ensured they won't be remembered as the worst team in Premier League history. Still, they've lost back-to-back games heavily against West Ham United and Leeds United, with their inevitable relegation confirmed on Monday night.
This is a huge opportunity for the Lilywhites, but the injury bug has seemingly struck again at just the wrong time.
Udogie doubtful for must-win Wolves clash
Udogie is at risk of adding to the 44 games he's missed since joining the club three years ago through injury.
Rumours emerged on social media earlier in the week regarding a fresh fitness setback, and those reports were substantiated by the likes of Tom Barclay, who regards Udogie as an "injury doubt" this weekend.
The exact nature of this setback is unclear, but the left back has previously dealt with significant knee and hamstring issues.
His absence would be a big blow for De Zerbi, given the absence of suitable alternatives. The right-footed Djed Spence hinders possession dynamics when he's playing on his 'wrong' side, although he should look less awkward under De Zerbi, while João Souza is unlikely to be chucked into the deep end, having joined the club in January.
Udogie's absence was a contributing factor to Thomas Frank's demise, with his unreliability on the injury front becoming a serious issue. Is it time to consider a sale in the summer, no matter how our season ends?
The talented Italian is likely to jump ship in the event of our relegation, but would trying to cash in on Udogie be the wise move if we survive? There was once a time, at the start of Ange Postecoglou's reign, when it looked like Fabio Paratici had just signed a potential superstar. However, that powerful, marauding left-back has seldom manifested in north London over the past couple of years.
Any surges in form have proven to be fleeting. No more than false dawns. The next setback is seemingly never too far away.