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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has suffered a shoulder injury but should be back on the pitch in a 'couple of weeks', according to Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold.

After missing almost the entire 2025-26 campaign through injury, Maddison was back on the pitch for Tottenham as a second-half substitute against Brentford on Saturday, as Roberto De Zerbi's men fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

Maddison fell awkwardly on his shoulder during his 22-minute cameo against the Bees, which raised fresh injury concerns over the 29-year-old.

A top Spurs source on X claimed on Tuesday afternoon that the issue was 'not good at all', raising concern among the fanbase that the Englishman could be set for another extended spell on the sidelines.

However, Gold has moved to allay those fears with his own post on Tuesday night, 24 hours before the club faces London rivals Charlton Athletic in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

According to David Ornstein, Maddison actually suffered a slight fracture to his shoulder in the fall, with scans showing minor damage, but the midfielder is expected back in action in 10-14 days.

The former Leicester City star actually trained on Monday, so there is optimism at the club that it isn't serious and that he will be back in action as soon as possible.

Maddison Can be Difference-Maker for De Zerbi

The news that Maddison could only be sidelined for up to two weeks is a huge boost for Tottenham and De Zerbi.

The defeat to Brentford was yet another sign that Spurs lack leadership, personality and quality on the pitch, and the 29-year-old brings all three of those things.

De Zerbi showed how highly he rates the midfielder by naming him on the substitutes' bench in their relegation fight last season, despite the fact he was unable to come on to contribute as he battled his way back to fitness.

The Italian coach revealed what he brings to the group, speaking in May.

Experience, personality, calm. If you have more experience, you are calmer. You can consider the timing when you have to speak or not.

"I want him to feel that he wants to stay inside the group even when he doesn't play.

"Because when he is ready to play, I want him 100 per cent inside the plan and the team."

Maddison may have played the last quarter of the game against the Bees at the weekend, but the game was ultimately already over at that stage.

Spurs lacked creativity in particular against Keith Andrews' side, with Conor Gallagher, Sandro Tonali and Lucas Bergvall as their starting midfield trio at the Gtech Community Stadium, and De Zerbi will be desperate to have a fully fit Maddison back on the pitch consistently to help with that.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Savinho, with his Manchester City teammate Omar Marmoush expected to follow shortly, but a major U-turn on the future of midfielder Lucas Bergvall is also needed in the coming days.

With Tottenham on the brink of taking their summer spending to £400m, expectations were understandably high ahead for the north London outfit ahead of the new Premier League season.

Despite the high optimism, there would have been some nervous Spurs fans when they found out Roberto De Zerbi's starting XI for the opening day trip to Brentford, with teenager Mikey Moore one of the inclusions on the team-sheet.

The game was largely a disaster from start to finish for the visitors, although the first-half was particularly bad as Tottenham got their season off to the worst possible start with a 3-0 loss against Keith Andrews' men.

Mateus Fernandes may have arrived for £85m during the summer, but Bergvall was preferred alongside club-record signing Sandro Tonali in the engine room for Spurs, due to the Portugal international suffering an injury issue during pre-season.

Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Bergvall wanted to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Nottingham Forest making an offer for the 20-year-old, and Newcastle United another English club who have shown interest in the Sweden international.

De Zerbi then confirmed last week that the youngster '100%' wants to stay at the club, and he was rewarded with a start against the Bees at the weekend. But it didn't go to plan.

Lucas Bergvall Flopped Against Brentford

If Bergvall either wanted to prove he should be a regular starter for Tottenham this season, or put himself in the shop window for potential suitors, he failed miserably in both missions at the Gtech community stadium.

The 20-year-old was completely bypassed by Brentford new-boy Mamadou Sangare for Keane Lewis-Potter's early opening goal, and he was weak for the hosts' second goal too as he was challenged too easily while trying to dribble with the ball.

As well as the big part he played in the conceded goals in the opening 45 minutes, some of his decision-making for his passes was also questionable, as he received a 3/10 rating from Football London for his showing.

De Zerbi had seen enough and, along with Conor Gallagher, he was hooked at half-time.

Bergvall Exit U-Turn Needed

There was a lot of excitement when the Swedish wonderkid decided to join Tottenham instead of Barcelona in 2024, with former Spurs scout Bryan King describing him as the 'next Christian Eriksen'.

He said: "If he continues to progress like he already has been doing, he could be an exciting young player.

He could be the next Christian Eriksen for Tottenham. I knew of Eriksen before he went to Ajax, and Bergvall looks very similar in a lot of the things he does on the pitch.

"Bergvall is a good passer and he can finish from distance, which are both things that Eriksen could do.

"Eriksen was a big asset to Tottenham during his time in North London. If Bergvall has half as much success as Eriksen did, it could be quite exciting."

It's fair to say that in general, the 20-year-old has failed to live up to expectations at Spurs, and Saturday's showing needs to be the final nail in the coffin for a player who is said to have wanted away from the club earlier this summer.

Tottenham have spent a lot of money this summer, and if they want to recoup a chunk of that on a player who is unlikely to be a regular starter under De Zerbi this term, there aren't many better options than Bergvall.

Spurs certainly have the potential to bring in around £40-50m for the Swede, and despite De Zerbi claiming the player has performed a U-turn on his own future at the club, club chiefs need to overrule him and get rid by September 1.

The Premier League season is underway, and the transfer window is in its final week, with some of the division's biggest clubs still looking to get some key business done.

Tottenham Hotspur are the biggest spenders of the summer so far, spending well over £300m to bring in Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Savio, alongside free agents Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka. Man City are not far behind them, having signed Elliot Anderson for £116m, while a £87m deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been agreed, and the club are still keen on Enzo Fernandez in a deal worth in excess of £120m.

Liverpool are some of the lowest spenders of the summer, with Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet joining Andoni Iraola's squad, while Ronald Araujo has joined on loan for the campaign from Barcelona. But there is one deal that is linking all three clubs at this stage, and it could be the key to unlocking business in the final stretch of the window.

After losing Mohamed Salah at the end of last season, Liverpool are in the market to bring in a new marquee winger, and PSG star Bradley Barcola is understood to be the top target.

The France international has already agreed personal terms ahead of a move to Anfield, but the European champions' £140m asking price is proving prohibitive, although talks between the sides remain ongoing. Should he arrive, it could spark the departure of another forward in Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo has been a key target for Spurs all summer, and is understood to be open to a move to north London despite their consecutive 17th-place finishes in the top flight in the last two seasons. Man City have also now entered the race for the Netherlands star, having agreed a move for Omar Marmoush to sign for Tottenham on an initial loan move.

Marmoush joins Savio at Spurs, as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen the attack before September 1st, and it now looks as though that could be the catalyst for the dominoes to begin to fall in the window for attacking signings.

The Egyptian's arrival is expected to be confirmed imminently, and that will spark City into action. Talks have reportedly been held with Liverpool over a deal for Gakpo, as they look to hijack Spurs' interest in the former PSV Eindhoven star.

The player has already agreed terms with Spurs, but could be open to joining City too, and Liverpool may look to cash in in order to fund their move for Barcola. However, if they lose Gakpo and then don't sign Barcola, they would be incredibly short of options in attack.

Transfer Dominoes Set to Fall

Big-money transfers have regularly been a waiting game, especially when big clubs are dealing with each other. However, with just days remaining, something has to give.

The players involved are all pushing to make the moves happen, and the clubs would all prefer to see the moves happen, rather than have to stick with the options they currently have.

But it takes one deal being advanced to trigger the dominoes to start falling, and Marmoush's move to Spurs being confirmed could be the one that was needed.

Tottenham Hotspur are still pushing to seal a deal for Liverpool star Cody Gakpo despite Man City entering the race, according to talkSPORT.

The Lilywhites have had a busy summer so far with seven new arrivals, with Brazil winger Savio the latest to become part of Roberto De Zerbi's squad following deals to bring in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali earlier in the window.

It's also understood that the north London club have already agreed a deal with Man City to bring in Omar Marmoush on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next summer too, but Spurs are still keen to make even more additions before next week's deadline.

Liverpool forward Gakpo has been a top target for much of the window, with De Zerbi keen to strengthen his left-wing position, and talks have been ongoing over a deal.

The Reds are looking to add to their forward options before they allow him to leave, and that situation stalling has allowed Man City to enter the race for his signature in recent days. However, according to talkSPORT, Spurs are still at the front of the queue to get a deal done, with a move to the Etihad Stadium currently seen as unlikely.

Liverpool want to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, and the feeling is that the deal could unlock Gakpo's potential exit from Anfield.

Gakpo is understood to be open to a move to north London, but the club are yet to table a formal offer for the Netherlands international. Liverpool are reportedly valuing Gakpo at around £70m, having used Anthony Gordon's move to Barcelona as a measuring stick for any deal.

The 27-year-old started for Liverpool in their opening Premier League game of the season, scoring in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle with a fine strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Tottenham Can Complete 4.5 Year Transfer Mission

While Gakpo is someone that Spurs have been strongly linked with all summer, their interest in the Dutch forward stretches back much further than that.

The first reports of Tottenham showing an interest in Gakpo came in March 2022, while he was still seen as a prospect at PSV Eindhoven, and before he had exploded at the World Cup later that year.

A move to Liverpool ultimately meant that Spurs were forced to look elsewhere when strengthening their attack since then, but it seems as though they are now closing in on a deal to finally get their man, and he would be a major upgrade on their current options in the position.

Tottenham Hotspur's 2026/27 Premier League campaign kicks off this weekend when Roberto De Zerbi's side travel to West London to take on Brentford, and the Italian will hope this is the beginning of a reversal in his club's fortunes.

The Lilywhites have endured two torrid seasons in a row, finishing 17th in back-to-back years, and another campaign flirting with the relegation zone simply won't sit right with the hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spending £312million so far this summer to ensure they don't sail close to the wind again, De Zerbi won't be given much leeway.

Sandro Tonali has arrived for £100million from Newcastle United, Mateus Fernandes has signed for £85million from West Ham United and Jan Paul van Hecke has joined for £52million from Brighton, with Savio finally completing a £75million move from Manchester City on Tuesday too. Alongside these big-money acquisitions, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have joined on free transfers. Further reinforcements are still expected in the forward line.

While there is understandably huge excitement amongst the Tottenham fanbase over what these new signings could bring to the table, there are three players who are yet to play significant roles under De Zerbi but will be available from the start of the season and may actually feel like new additions.

James Maddison

For so much of last season, Spurs lacked a creative spark — this was reflected in their dire attacking numbers. They scored just 48 league goals, more than only seven teams in the division, while they ranked 17th for expected goals created (as per UnderStat).

Clearly, they weren't able to create the volume or quality of chances they needed to. This was partly due to systematic failures induced by their various coaches, but also due to a lack of creative personnel.

James Maddison, who spent almost the entirety of the season recovering from an ACL injury, is arguably the most creative player in Spurs' squad, and he'll finally be back fit and firing from the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign. He managed just 34 minutes at the back end of last season, hobbling about as Tottenham desperately sought to save themselves from relegation.

Having had a summer off to work on his fitness, he should be nearing a level where he can start contributing, despite missing all of pre-season. He'll get to work in a De Zerbi system which historically juices the attacking players' numbers, and if he can stay fit, he will ultimately make a significant difference to Spurs' offensive play.

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski might be the archetypal 'feels like a new signing' if he actually makes his way back from his lengthy injury and plays meaningful minutes for Spurs again. That said, it's a huge if, given the significance of his setback and just how long he has been out.

He's not played a minute of football since the end of the 2024/25 season, although he is said to have stepped up his recovery in recent days, according to TottenhamHotspur.com. De Zerbi may need to find a slightly different role for the Swede, as he's unlikely to be capable of racing down the wing again any time soon.

While he was never reliant on pace, creating separation from defenders is going to be difficult after such a spell away from the game. Instead, De Zerbi can lean into the playmaker's passing quality, and this creativity should provide the Lilywhites with another solution to their attacking frailties.

Mohammed Kudus

While not quite as severe as Maddison and Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus also endured an injury-plagued 2025/26 season. He managed just 1,545 league minutes and didn't play at all after January. He's therefore another who hasn't featured in any capacity in the De Zerbi era, and will be itching to get going under the new head coach.

While the Ghanaian isn't expected to be fit in time to start the season, he's not supposed to be too far away. Given Spurs' lack of options on both flanks, Kudus will be a welcome returnee, with his ability to operate on either side and cause havoc through his mazy dribbling, attributes that the North Londoners missed last term.

Tottenham are off to a nightmare start to the season, losing 3-0 to Brentford despite going into the game with plenty of hope after a record-breaking transfer window in terms of spending. Spurs looked a long way off where they want to be, which is competing for Europe, especially with more spending still to come.

But Roberto De Zerbi, like his predecessors, has had little luck with injuries coming into the new season, with a host of Spurs stars absent. Here we take a look at the full list of Tottenham players dealing with injuries ahead of the Carabao Cup with Charlton Athletic, and indeed when they can expect to return to aid the Spurs mission.

Xavi Simons (Knee)

Return date: February 2027

Simons is a long-term absentee after his ACL rupture last season. Spurs will not welcome him back until the new year and beyond. The Dutchman is not likely to be back in full action until late February.

Wilson Odobert (Knee)

Return date: Late November

Odobert ruptured his ACL at an earlier date, so Spurs should see him back in action at some point between late November and early December.

Mohammed Kudus (Quad)

Return date: September 5

Kudus has had a frustrating time with injury during his time at Spurs so far, but he is close to returning from his latest setback. De Zerbi has confirmed that the winger will be back soon, and it's likely he will be back for the September 5th clash with Nottingham Forest. De Zerbi said last week: "We have Kulusevski, Odobert, Xavi Simons injured. Mo Kudus is almost ready. These are big points for us, they are top players for us, and we're looking forward to watching them on the pitch."

Micky van de Ven (knock)

Return date: September 29

Van de Ven has been struggling with a knock he picked up in pre-season, but he will likely be back this weekend. De Zerbi said before last weekend's game: "Today, he was working with us, with the group, he's going very well. He suffered a problem during the pre-season in Australia, not a big problem, but not right to work."

Pedro Porro (Fitness)

Return date: September 29

Pedro Porro had a late return due to winning the World Cup with Spain, and his holidays after the tournament meant he started his pre-season much later. But he is progressing with his fitness and could return this weekend.

Pape Matar Sarr (Hamstring)

Return date: September 29

Sarr picked up a hamstring complain ahead of the Brentford game, but he could be back this weekend, depending on how his return to training goes this week. De Zerbi said before the Brentford game: "Pape Sarr, no, because he felt pain today in his hamstring, nothing important, but we don't take a risk with him, especially in this moment."

Dejan Kulusevski (Fitness)

Return date: Unknown

Kulusevski remains something of a mystery as he looks to return after more than a year out. De Zerbi says he is fit but not quite ready to play, so we can't put a date on his return. The Spurs boss said last week: "Kulusevski [is] fit and right, he's one of the best players we have in the squad... I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on him to accelerate the process of rehab, but I hope he can be available as early as possible."

Former Tottenham midfielder has slammed Roberto De Zerbi for his team selection against Brentford, with Richarlison one player he wants to be sold in the summer transfer window.

Spurs endured a disastrous start to the 2026/2027 Premier League campaign, losing 3-0 away to Brentford.

The Bees opened the scoring after just 12 minutes, with Keane Lewis-Potter firing home from close range.

Around 20 minutes later, Brentford made it two after Vitaly Janelt pounced on a mistake from goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to tap home.

Tottenham already had a mountain to climb heading into the second half, but just minutes after the break, Michael Kayode fired home a rebound after Kinsky's initial save.

Spurs struggled to find a way back into the game, regularly conceding a host of chances rather than creating some of their own.

Former midfielder O'Hara was heavily critical of his club, understandably, and slammed De Zerbi's poor team selection.

"Shocking game didn’t even get started miles off it, when will we learn that Richarlison ain’t good enough? Poor team selection from De Zerbi. Same old guff again; need a striker asap."

O'Hara suggested that Brazilian striker Richarlison isn't good enough. Also, responding to former boxer Tony Bellew, suggesting that he'd like him to be sold to Everton.

O'Hara is right, in a way

In terms of his criticism of Richarlison, that's where it could be considered quite unfair, as the Brazilian forward contributed more than any other forward for Spurs last season.

Maybe the former Everton man shouldn't be Tottenham's main man in the centre-forward position, but there's no doubt he can certainly offer something off the bench.

If Tottenham want to progress and go to the next level, perhaps a new striker is needed, but he's maybe taken his criticism of Richarlison slightly too far.

Tottenham are in the market for forward additions during the summer transfer window, and they may have been handed the perfect opportunity to sign one of their targets, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Tottenham have shown previous interest in Mateta, including from the summer, and have held talks to determine his availability.

Mateta started Palace's opening game against Everton, but it was a disappointing display from the French striker.

Spurs are in the market to sign multiple new forwards over the coming weeks, with both Omar Marmoush and Savinho heavily linked.

Their recruitment is unlikely to stop there, though, particularly after suffering a worrying defeat against Brentford in their opening game of the season.

Mateta Premier League stats 2025/26

Appearances: 32

Goals: 12

Aerial duels won: 2.1 per game

Shots: 2 per game

Signing a striker certainly won't solve all of Tottenham's problems following their performance against Brentford, but it does feel like it would be beneficial for the North London club.

With talks reportedly underway over a possible move for Mateta, Tottenham could now have been handed a perfect chance to secure his signature.

Shortly after Palace's defeat against Everton, news emerged that Mateta has launched an official challenge over the validity of the final 10 months of his Palace contract, taking the situation to FIFA.

Mateta believes that he feels the final year of his contract, which is this current year, is invalid, and he's taken the matter to the relevant authorities.

Although this is likely a situation that has been ongoing for a while, the news breaking could have an impact on Palace's decision regarding his future.

It's certainly not a good look for the club that one of their players is fighting against them over a potential contract, clearly showing that he doesn't want to be there.

As a result, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Palace now opened the door for an exit.

Marmoush isn't the only answer

As mentioned, Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move to sign Man City forward Omar Marmoush in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

Despite that, they could still try another centre-forward, especially with Richarlison being linked with a move away from the club.

Marmoush is also capable of playing in multiple different positions in the forward line, so it's not guaranteed that he's going to start every week in the centre-forward position.

Someone like Mateta is your typical old-school striker, and having that focal point in the side could be what they need going forward.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs have had a very busy summer already, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali already arriving, while the club have also already agreed a deal with Man City to sign Brazilian winger Savinho.

But with Roberto De Zerbi keen to strengthen the attack further before the end of the transfer window on September 1st, the club have now pushed to seal a deal to bring the Egypt international to north London as their newest forward as part of a double deal.

According to Romano, writing on his X account, Spurs have now agreed a loan deal for Marmoush to make the switch across the Premier League.

The 27-year-old will now travel to Tottenham to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper, as the club look to bounce back from narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship last season.

Romano has confirmed that Tottenham have signed Marmoush on an initial loan with a buy option clause that will become mandatory under certain conditions.

The Egyptian international is set to travel for a medical on Monday.

Marmoush Man City Career in Numbers

After joining Man City from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £59m in January 2025, Marmoush enjoyed a fine start to life at the Etihad Stadium.

He ended his first half-season at the club with eight goals, and was expected to kick on in his first full season but he struggled for regular first-team football, falling behind Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki in the pecking order.

Overall, Marmoush has made 62 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals and registering six assists in 3,128 minutes across all competitions. He won two trophies during his time at City too, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup last season.

New season, new players, but it felt like a continuation of the 2025/26 campaign for Tottenham on Saturday.

Spurs made the short trip across London to take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium and returned home with their tail between their legs, despite having spent £237million in the summer transfer window so far, humbled 3-0 by the excellent Bees.

Roberto De Zerbi cut a forlorn figure, often seen by the Sky Sports cameras just sitting in the dugout, looking bereft of ideas and/or an explanation for the dire performance from his players. The Italian is normally an animated man on the sidelines, gesticulating to his players and getting his philosophy across.

De Zerbi has work to do on the training ground with his Spurs players

Saturday in west London was a very different vibe. It is only one match, and things will surely get better for Spurs, otherwise they will find themselves in another relegation battle this season, but De Zerbi's words after the game will have sent shivers down the spines of the Tottenham supporters.

Almost the first words that came out of his mouth in the press conference after the match were extremely worrying.

I think we are not a team yet.

That is an extremely worrying thing for a supporter to hear after the head coach has had a full pre-season to work with his players. But there are some mitigating circumstances.

As he explained later: "For sure, we are not in the right point in physical condition for a lot of reasons. For the players, they came late after the World Cup, because in Australia we couldn't work in the right way for the trip, don't take risks for a lot of things, but are not excuses.

"They are the normal situation when you are building a new project, a new process. I don't want time, but we have to pass through these problems."

Tottenham have already spent big in the summer transfer window and intend to splash more cash on Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City in the coming days.

There has been a lot of upheaval, and he is right that certain players have not been able to work with him in pre-season to truly understand his ways for this season.

De Zerbi could welcome back Porro, van de Ven and Kudus to his matchday squad for the next game against Newcastle United next Saturday - their first home game of the new season.

But having got a lot of the transfer business done early in the window, the excuse of players not being ready and up to speed does not really pass water.

Van de Ven may have returned from the World Cup and picked up an injury, hence not seeing him during pre-season, and Porro may have returned late due to Spain's exploits in winning the World Cup, but Arsenal had Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi in their squad for the win over Coventry on Friday night and all four played a part in the match having gone all the way to the last weekend of the World Cup in America.

While that one line that De Zerbi said may frighten the Tottenham supporters, the last word of it is a caution to the rest of the Premier League. Yet. Spurs are not done in the transfer market and when they get it right on the pitch, De Zerbi firmly believes he has the players to deliver success.