GiveMeSport

Tottenham's injury problems are finally easing for new head coach Roberto De Zerbi as we get towards the real business end of the Premier League season.

When De Zerbi first arrived at the club he walked into a dressing room with almost as many players in the treatment room as available to him on the pitch.

And things got worse when Mohammed Kudus, working his way back to full fitness following a quad injury, suffered a setback in his rehabilitation and was added to the 'out for the season' list. Then, in his first game in charge, club captain Cristian Romero picked up a knee injury, meaning he would miss the rest of the season too.

Udogie Was Named As A Doubt For Wolves Clash

There was further concern this week with news emerging that Destiny Udogie was a doubt for the trip to the Black Country. The Italian has started both games at left-back under De Zerbi and would be a big miss.

But while three other players remain out of action - Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert - there is good news with the rest of the injured stars at Hotspur Way.

First choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario underwent hernia surgery and has missed De Zerbi's first two games in charge, but could return against Wolves, while James Maddison, who has not played all season after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season, returned to the substitutes' bench for the 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, albeit not being used, and it will be the same again this weekend.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of a huge match with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, De Zerbi offered the latest team news for the trip to Molineux.

He said: "Destiny has a [muscular] problem. I think he can't play tomorrow, but he played on Saturday and played a great first half, second half as well but the first was great. We have [Djed] Spence, Souza is available to come with us.

"No he's [Maddison] not available [to play] yet. Tomorrow he will come on the bench because he's important whether he plays or not. Better he plays but as a leader and a guy, I want to see in my dressing room nice people, positive people.

"Vicario is not available for tomorrow. I hope he can start with me from Monday. Antonin is playing very well. I hope Vicario can come back in the best physical condition because he's a very important player for us."

Pape Matar Sarr was also ruled out.

The Situation As It Stands At The Bottom Of The Premier League Table

The game with Wolves is Spurs' first of five in which to save their Premier League status. They are two points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table and without a win in the Premier League in 2026.

Wolves and Burnley have already been relegated, with one more spot in next season's Championship still to be determined, with Spurs fighting against West Ham and Nottingham Forest to avoid being the unlucky third team to be relegated.

Forest play first this weekend when they take on Sunderland in the Friday night clash at the Stadium of Light. West Ham play at the same time as Sprus, against Everton, at 3pm on Saturday.

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest were the big winners in the Premier League relegation battle last weekend, with both teams picking up much-needed victories.

For Leeds, their win over Wolves mens they are pretty much out of danger, sitting nine points clear of the drop zone with the Whites having four games to play, while others have five.

For Forest, their win over Burnley - coming from behind to do so - move them five points clear of the relegation zone after Tottenham and West Ham could only pick up draws with Brighton and Crystal Palace respectively.

Premier League Relegation Battle Could Swing Once More

Forest have a difficult-looking trip to Sunderland on Friday night, however, with West Ham and home to Everton and Spurs away at already relegated Wolves meaning results could swing back the other way this weekend and it could tight once more at the bottom of the table.

With Forest playing first, they could get a psychological edge on their rivals, or, alternatively, they could open up the door to the Hammers and Spurs, who both play on Saturday at 3pm.

Pundit Alan Shearer believes this weekend's matches will see the relegation battle get even closer.

The Betfair ambassador has backed Nottingham Forest to draw at the Stadium of Light on Friday night, saying: "The Stadium of Light is a tough place to go, you know how physical Sunderland will be and once the crowd gets behind them it will be a tough game.

"But with the form Forest are in and Morgan Gibbs-White full of belief, I am going to go for a draw. It will be a good point for Forest."

That would take them six points clear of Spurs, who sit 18th currently, but Shearer is backing Tottenham to pick up their first win of 2026 and end a run of 118 games without a victory in the Premier League.

Why Tottenham Could Be 'Doomed' This Weekend

He added: "It is an absolute must-win for Spurs. I do believe with the belief they might have picked up last weekend, whether it was from their performance or West Ham not winning at Palace, I think that will give them great encouragement.

"Had it been the other way, then I think they would be doomed. I think if they lose this weekend then they will go down. Considering Wolves are already down, I am going to tip Spurs to win for the first time in a long time."

And that would be enough to take Spurs out of the relegation zone on goal difference, because the former Newcastle United striker is tipping the Hammers to only draw at home to Everton.

He said: "Everton are a really good side, especially away from home, they've got a good record. It is a tough one for West Ham, who are desperate to win.

"They will be at home, but I am not sure they will have enough to win it, so I am going to say a draw."

Tottenham are close to making one of their first signings ahead of the summer transfer window, with an agreement in principle in place, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Spurs are already working on their summer plans despite attempting to avoid dropping down into the Championship.

The north London outfit need some hefty investment after their recent struggles, so it could be a busy window for them, whether they are relegated or not.

Surviving in the Premier League will be crucial for Spurs in terms of attracting the calibre of profile they will be looking to sign this summer.

If they are relegated, they'll be shopping in a different market, while a host of their players will be likely to head through the exit door.

Tottenham Reach Agreement for Summer Signing

According to a report from Sky Sports journalist Plettenberg, Tottenham have now reached an agreement in principle with Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi to join on a free transfer in the summer window.

Tottenham will now need to make a decision whether they want to finalise a move for Senesi, while the Bournemouth centre-back will likely reconsider his options if Spurs drop to the Championship.

Unfortunately for Tottenham, it's going to be tricky to get players to commit while they are in a precarious position.

Senesi a Clever Addition for Tottenham

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero's futures are uncertain at the moment, with both players being linked with departures.

Spurs being able to bring in a ready-made centre-back in Senesi, who has Premier League experience, will be crucial, rather than signing someone who will need time to settle in.

With Senesi being available on a free transfer, it's a no-brainer for the north London club, especially with his impressive performances during his time at Bournemouth.

Now all Spurs need to do is stay up, which is far from a guarantee at the moment.

Tottenham Hotspur may be in the relegation zone of the Premier League currently, but they are planning for life in the division next season when it comes to what they want to do in the transfer window.

The north London side are currently two points adrift of safety with just five games remaining, and are winless under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, as they prepare to take on already relegated Wolves next at Molineux in a huge clash this weekend.

A win could help them move out of the drop zone, depending on West Ham United's result against Everton, but the club have already identified one star who they want to add to their squad if they are able to complete a great escape.

Tottenham Eyeing Igor Thiago Swoop

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Tottenham are eyeing a move to sign Brentford sensation Igor Thiago this summer to bolster their forward line.

Spurs currently have Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke as striker options in their squad, but the Brazilian is expected to move on, while the France international's loan is not expected to be made permanent. Solanke's fitness issues are also a concern, which has seen the club make adding some muscle to their front line a priority this summer.

Thiago, who broke the record for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in the Premier League in a season earlier in this campaign, has netted an excellent 24 goals in 35 appaearances this season, which has sparked major interest from clubs across the division.

The Bees do not want to lose their star forward again, having lost Ivan Toney, Yoanne Wissa, and Bryan Mbeumo in the last two summer windows, but their analytical approach means they are already eyeing up potential replacements in case a big bid arrives.

Igor Thiago Could Help Tottenham Hugely

Spurs have been an absolute shambles this season all over the pitch, and if they are able to avoid relegation then they will have a massive rebuild on their hands ahead of next season.

A reliable source of goals will be an important addition considering the issues they have in their attack at the moment, and Thiago's form this season suggests that he can be exactly that. Any deal wouldn't be cheap considering Thiago's form and importance to Brentford, but a deal is doable and the Lewis family have made it clear they are ready to spend if they have to.

Tottenham Hotspur's on-loan defender Luka Vuskovic is close to a return to action with his injury not as bad as had been feared, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The teenager left Tottenham to join Hamburg on a season-long loan deal last summer, and has impressed for the Bundesliga outfit, who are on course to just survive a relegation playoff in Germany's top flight.

His parent club are enjoying things a lot less right now, with Spurs currently lying in the Premier League relegation zone with five matches to play.

Roberto De Zerbi's men looked set to move out of the bottom three against Brighton and Hove Albion last Saturday, before Georginio Rutter's 95th-minute equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw for the Seagulls.

The Italian manager now knows his team have to take all three points for the first time since December 28 when they travel to already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday.

Spurs could find themselves eight points adrift of 16th-placed Nottingham Forest when they kick off in the west Midlands, should Vitor Pereira's men beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday night.

Vuskovic Due Back in Couple of Weeks

While Vuskovic is unable to help Tottenham in their current plight, he could be a hugely important player for the club in the future, and potentially as soon as next season.

The 19-year-old last played for Hamburg at the beginning of April, with Bild recently reporting that his knee was 'more severely damaged' than originally thought.

However, fears seem to have been eased and now Barclay has confirmed, posting on X, that he is actually set to return in a 'couple of weeks', rather than it being a long-term issue.

Hamburg have suffered in Vuskovic's absence by conceding seven goals in their last two Bundesliga matches, having only conceded seven in their previous five before that with the 19-year-old at the heart of their backline.

Vuskovic Could be Needed Next Season

The Croatian may still be young, but he has shown just how much potential he has playing regularly in the Bundesliga this season as a teenager.

As well as his impressive performances from a defensive point of view, the 19-year-old has also contributed an impressive five goals in 25 Bundesliga outings, showing he can be a threat in the final third too.

Tottenham will not want to lose Vuskovic permanently and to avoid that scenario happening, they need to integrate him into their first-team plans from next season.

Spurs could be left short at centre-back with rumours that Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could both leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of the season, with the latter being targeted by both Liverpool and Manchester United.

Reports suggest that Radu Dragusin has also agreed to leave the north London outfit this summer, which means it is a position that needs to be bolstered.

You would think that Vuskovic would be more involved if Spurs did actually drop into the Championship, given experience could be key for them to move back up the table next term. But given what the Croatian has shown so far in the early stages of his career, it shouldn't be ruled out that he could help them in the Premier League too.

Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are in a fierce battle for Premier League survival, with Forest suffering their second major injury setback this week ahead of their trip to Sunderland on Friday night.

Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham are battling to avoid the final bottom three spot after the relegations of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley were confirmed this week.

Leeds extended their gap over 18th-placed Spurs to nine points with their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Wednesday night, which also took them to the magic 40-point mark.

Daniel Farke's side will hope that's enough to keep them above the three teams below them.

Forest have boosted their own survival chances with seven points from the last nine available, beating Tottenham and Burnley, as well as drawing away at fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Vitor Pereira's side can extend their gap above the drop zone to eight points if they can win at the Stadium of Light, but they will have to do it without Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a quadriceps muscle injury.

The winger isn't the only key man set to miss the trip north though.

Murillo Could Miss Forest's Next Two Matches

Murillo has established himself as one of Forest's best players in recent seasons, but the club has confirmed he will definitely miss the clash against Regis Le Bris' men on Friday night with an unidentified muscle injury.

The 23-year-old was forced off during the first half of the 4-1 win against Burnley on Sunday with the issue, with the first update on his condition revealed on Thursday.

The Brazilian is also unlikely to be fit for the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final tie with Premier League rivals Aston Villa at the City Ground next Thursday.

Pereira does believe he will return before the end of the season however, although it remains to be seen whether that will be in time for Forest's next league game after Sunderland against Chelsea on May 4.

Forest missing such a key player in their backline is definitely a boost for Tottenham and West Ham, who will be doing everything to try and finish above the Midlands club in the next few weeks.

Who Could Replace Murillo?

Fortunately for Pereira, while they may not be quite at the same level as the consistent Murillo, the Portuguese boss does have some options to fill the void left by the South American at the Stadium of Light.

The Athletic claim that Jair Cunha is the most likely replacement for the Brazilian, although Pereira also has other options too in Morato and Zach Abbott.

With Tottenham travelling to already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, still looking for their first league win of 2026, it feels like a pivotal weekend in the relegation fight.

Forest will hope that they can do enough without some key players on Wearside to pick up at least one point, but if they get all three it would surely push them close to survival given they'd be on 39 points.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a huge boost ahead of next season with Dejan Kulusevki 'likely' to stay at the club, even if they suffer relegation, according to Calciomercato.

Tottenham face a huge battle to remain in the Premier League ahead of travelling to already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers for a crucial game this weekend.

Spurs looked on course to pick up their first league win of 2026 when they led Brighton and Hove Albion 2-1 in second-half stoppage time last weekend, but Georginio Rutter broke their hearts with a 95th-minute equaliser.

Fortunately for the north Londoners, 17th-placed West Ham United missed the chance to extend their advantage over the drop zone to four points as they were held by Crystal Palace, meaning the gap to safety remained at two points with five matches to play.

The first of those for Roberto De Zerbi's men is at Molineux, and nothing less than three points will be acceptable for Tottenham in their bid to avoid a devastating relegation to the Championship.

Despite the disappointment against the Seagulls, there were promising signs of the quality and fight they'll need in the next few weeks.

Kulusevki Has 'Never Expressed Desire' to Leave

According to Calciomercato, despite links with the likes of AC Milan in recent years, prior to his serious injury, his future is 'likely' to be with Tottenham next season.

The Sweden international's contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium doesn't expire until 2028, and Spurs have no intention of either offloading him or cashing in on him this summer after a year on the sidelines.

The report adds that despite Spurs' struggles on the pitch, the 25-year-old has never expressed a desire to leave the club, although he is determined to return to the pitch as soon as possible and reach the highest level.

De Zerbi certainly wants to keep a player Thomas Frank described as 'key' at the club even if they end up in the Championship, although it remains to be seen if the situation could change if the worst does actually happen.

Kulusevski Owes Tottenham

The news that Kulusevski could be a Tottenham player next season whichever division they find themselves in is clearly a boost, and he owes it to the club after they have helped him through rehabilitation for 12 months.

If Spurs remain in the Premier League it seems pretty obvious that the Swede will stay, given it would be a risk for any buying team after how long he has been out for.

Things would clearly get more interesting if the north Londoners do go down though, as it is harder for top footballers to play at that level when they have international aspirations and a desire to play in Europe.

Some players will want to stay and help Tottenham back up, while others will think about their personal careers and want out. Spurs fans will hope that Kulusevski fits into the former category, as this report hints at.

Tottenham have suffered with a huge number of injuries during the 2025/26 campaign and things may just get even worse for new head coach Roberto De Zerbi this weekend.

Still without a win in 2026 and in the relegation zone in the Premier League table, Spurs need to turn their fortunes around desperately or face being demoted to the second tier for the first time since 1977.

The Lilywhites have picked up one point from De Zerbi's first two games in charge, losing 1-0 at Sunderland before drawing 2-2 against the Italian's former club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Roberto De Zerbi Favourite Could Miss Game With Wolves

It has not been the quick turnaround that supporters hoped for and the club were desperate for, but a game against already relegated Wolves gives them an opportunity to pick up their first win of the calendar year and the chance to move out of the bottom three.

But they might have to do it without one of the players who has already shown himself to be a favourite of De Zerbi - Destiny Udogie.

No sooner had De Zerbi arrived at the club than he was hit with two more injury problems, with Mohammed Kudus suffering a setback in his recovery from a quad problem, and club captain Cristian Romero hobbling off with a knee injury against the Black Cats.

Both will miss the rest of the season as a result.

De Zerbi is already without Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies and Guglielmo Vicario, while James Maddison has yet to feature at all this season, although did return to the substitutes' bench for the draw with the Seagulls.

Now, De Zerbi may have to tinker with his team once more after it emerged that left-back Udogie was a doubt for the game with Wolves this weekend.

Tottenham Do Have An Easy Replacement For Udogie

Udogie has only recently returned from his own hamstring injury, only playing ten Premier League games under Thomas Frank, who described him as "exceptional" earlier in the season. Udogie has started both games under his countryman so far, although that run may now come to an end. It is not known whether it is a flare-up of his hamstring problems or a different injury altogether, but the Sun are reporting that he is a doubtful for the clash at Molineux on Saturday.

De Zerbi does have a more than adequate replacement in Djed Spence, who has been on the bench for both games under the new head coach, getting 14 minutes of action against Brighton.

Tottenham have five games left to save themselves, with two points separating them from safety at the bottom of the table currently.

Tottenham have already agreed deals with two free agent defenders ahead of the summer transfer window, although their signings depend on Spurs staying in the Premier League.

Spurs have agreed a deal to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool when his contract expires this summer, while there is also an agreement in place to bring Marcos Senesi to the club from Bournemouth, with his contract also expiring this summer.

Both of those transfers are contingent on Tottenham being a Premier League club, however. And that is not guaranteed.

Spurs currently sit third from bottom in the table, two points adrift of West Ham in 17th with five games of the season to go. Signing both Senesi and Robertson would be sensible deals for Spurs and cost them nothing, as they look to revamp and rebuild their squad under Roberto De Zerbi for the 2026/27 season.

Spurs Face Major Defensive Changes This Summer

Cristian Romero is likely to leave this summer, while there are plenty of rumours around Micky van de Ven's future at the club too. Radu Dragusin is also likely to depart, meaning Tottenham could require big changes at the back.

And if they stay up, they could bring in another free transfer too for someone who would be perfect in Roberto De Zerbi's ball-playing system - John Stones.

Signing Stones would be big for Tottenham and would finally end a five-year transfer mission in the corridors of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs tried to sign Stones in the later summer transfer window of a Covid-19 affected 2020.

The initial approach was for a loan deal, with a view to making the move permanent for around £20million because Stones was not playing that year under Pep Guardiola.

City turned down the offer and Stones would go on to become an integral part of Guardiola's back-line for the proceeding years, carving out an excellent career for himself at the Etihad Stadium.

Now, ten years after joining the Citizens in a £50million deal from Everton, Stones is set to move on. It is being reported that the £250,000-a-week England international will leave City at the end of the current campaign, with no sign of a contract extension being agreed.

That is sure to start a war for his services in the summer transfer window, with the 31-year-old still having plenty of years left in the tank.

Thigh problems have curtailed his 2025/26 season, with just 15 appearances in total this campaign. After only 20 appearances last season due to foot and hamstring injuries, it is not surprising to see him leaving City at the end of his contract.

John Stones Would Fit Into De Zerbi's Style Of Play

The injuries may put potential suitors off, and that could be the case for Spurs too, given the horrific injury problems they have suffered this season, but it is not just on the pitch that Stones would be an asset, but off it, as a leader too.

Spurs identified the free signing of Robertson as a leader to bring into the group, lacking them this season and Stones would be a perfect signing in that regard, but also for new head coach De Zerbi. He is a ball-playing centre-back, often utilised in midfield too because of his technical ability, and would suit the Italian's football down to the ground.

It would be something of a bind to see both Romero and van de Ven leave, given the partnership they have, but after back-to-back seasons near and in the Premier League relegation zone, signing center-backs Senesi and Stones on free transfers to replace them would signify very good business indeed.

If Roberto De Zerbi can save Tottenham from relegation, he is likely to be handed something of a warchest to go out and spend big in the summer transfer window to overhaul and improve what has been an ailing squad for the last few seasons.

Spurs face five huge games in the Premier League run-in, sitting 18th and staring down the barrel of a first relegation from England's top flight since 1977.

Save the club and the transfer market could very well be De Zerbi's oyster. Get relegated and who knows what will happen in the summer or even if the Italian will still be the man in the dugout.

De Zerbi Will Have Plenty To Do In The Summer Transfer Window

It is likely that most areas on the pitch will need an overhaul in the summer, with players expected to be moved on by the club if they stay up - given their poor performances for more than a season now - or players looking to make the move themselves if Spurs are relegated.

One area that will need attention is the forward line.

Brazilian star Richarlison has long been linked with a move away from the club, although his focus leading up to the summer has always been on the 2026 World Cup, with the striker not wanting to entertain talk of a transfer.

He could move on this summer, while Randal Kolo Muani will be heading back to Paris Saint-Germain and highly unlikely to make the move to north London permanent.

Mathys Tel signed permanently from Bayern Munich last summer, but has found starts hard to come by under any of the three managers who have been in charge in N17 this season so far. His future remains uncertain, while Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert are injured and may not be ready for the start of the new season.

That leaves Dominic Solanke, who has so far been De Zerbi's first choice in the No.9 spot in his first two games in charge.

He certainly feels he is the right man for the job, saying when he arrived: "I’d like to push with Solanke, because he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I want him stronger as a personality and character on the pitch."

But there is a real argument, following those first two games, that Solanke - who was given a 0/10 rating by former Spurs player Jamie O'Hara after the first game against Sunderland - is the one who should be axed.

The England star touched the ball just 18 times in the 1-0 defeat to Sunderland - the fewest of any player on the pitch for 90 minutes. He was only successful with four of his six passes too, winning just 50% of his duels, missing one big chance, failing to score from an xG of 0.56.

Things Did Not Get Much Better For Solanke At Brighton

Against Brighton at home he enjoyed more of the action, having 34 touches of the ball, although again it was the fewest of any player on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. He was successful with 14 of his 18 passes in that match, but losing 13 of the 20 duels he was involved in. He had an xG of just 0.05 in the game, showing just how ineffective he was.

Solanke was performing better under Igor Tudor having just come back from injury, than he has done in De Zerbi's system so far. And while it is early days in the Italian's reign and it may take some players time to get up to speed, Solanke could find himself out of the door before things have even begun.

Does he fit into De Zerbi's plan or system? the Italian will want to put his own stamp on the squad this summer and Solanke, despite De Zerbi's early quotes, may not be the right choice.