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Tottenham hit with fresh injury worry as Roberto De Zerbi explains Destiny Udogie absence

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Roberto De Zerbi drops Tottenham selection hint as key Marbella meetings revealed

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Spurs boss has opened up on secretive training camp before Coventry clash

Sam Tabuteau, Sports Reporter

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Roberto De Zerbi has revealed the one rule his Tottenham players had to follow during their secretive warm-weather training camp in Marbella last week.

With an extended break to prepare for Monday night’s Premier League clash at home to Coventry, Spurs headed to southern Spain for a change of environment.

Head coach De Zerbi enforced a social media blackout so his players could focus and avoid distractions as they search for their first Premier League win of the season.

Spurs’ social media accounts did not publish any footage from the training camp, while an official squad list remained private. De Zerbi has now admitted that his squad were also not allowed to use their phones during meals.

Struggle: Tottenham remain winless in the Premier League under Roberto De Zerbi this season

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"We worked on the pitch, we stayed together - we removed phones from breakfast, lunch and dinner to stay together because now it is like (fiddles with imaginary phone) all the time," the Spurs boss said.

"We had two or three important meetings speaking about football - our situation and how everyone has to take responsibility - and nothing more. There were some dinners just for the players, some dinners just for the staff."

De Zerbi has been keen to take the weight off his players’ shoulders, and he afforded them some downtime in Marbella, with several members of the squad meeting British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua as he prepares for his fight with Tyson Fury in December.

After a difficult pre-season, in which travel, commercial commitments and staggered return times from the World Cup left De Zerbi unhappy with his side’s preparations, the Italian said lessons had been learned.

"As a coach, you understand you have to improve, you have to change the situation, and you try to find all solutions," De Zerbi continued. "I already did this type of training camp twice with Marseille, and it was a good solution.

“I spoke with the club, with Vinai [Venkatesham, CEO], with Johan [Lange, sporting director], with the owner, and together we took the decision.

"But it's nothing special. It's just to spend more time together because in pre-season we couldn't.

Biding his time: James Maddison has not started a Premier League game for Tottenham since April 2025

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“We had many new players and players who came back from the World Cup. Three or four days together without family, putting the club at the top of their priorities is normal and is good."

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At the top of De Zerbi’s priority list will have been improving his team’s physical conditioning, with fitness issues continuing to hold Spurs back this season.

With a nine-day break between their 1-1 draw with Manchester United and Monday’s game against Coventry, Spurs had a rare opportunity to get some players back close to full fitness.

De Zerbi, though, still seems reluctant to insert James Maddison back into his lineup, with the midfielder having not started a Premier League game since April 2025.

"Maybe, yes [he can start],” De Zerbi said of Maddison, who suffered from a shoulder fracture earlier this season and missed most of last term with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

“You need to play many games to reach the best physical condition but there are players able to be important even if they play 10-15-20 minutes, and James is one player like this.

“Right now, he is ready to start the game, but I don't know if we will start with him. I'm waiting for that moment.”

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Tottenham get exciting injury update as new training footage revealed

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London boroughs named among very best and worst places in England to grow up - how does your area fare?

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Tottenham XI vs Coventry: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

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Tottenham will have Dejan Kulusevski back against Coventry tonight, but Savio, Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall will all miss out.

Kulusevski has been out of action since May 2025 with a complicated kneecap injury that required two surgeries and more than 500 days on the sidelines.

The Swedish playmaker has, though, been edging closer to a return to action and was part of the travelling squad as Spurs rescued a late 1-1 draw away to Manchester United last weekend.

While not part of the matchday squad at Old Trafford, Kulusevski has continued to train with the rest of the first team since then and travelled to Marbella for the club’s warm-weather training camp last week.

With an extended break between games, Monday’s clash against Coventry looks like a good opportunity to reintegrate Kulusevski and boost morale as Spurs search for their first Premier League win of the season.

“Yes, Kulusevski [will be] on the bench,” Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi revealed in his pre-match press conference on Sunday. “We had a meeting with the medical staff, they gave the okay and it's great news.”

While Kulusevski is ready to make an impact on the pitch, De Zerbi has confirmed the game will come too soon for vice-captain Porro.

Porro has been out for nearly a month with a hamstring injury suffered during Spurs’ 3-2 defeat by Aston Villa and should be ready for the Chelsea game next weekend.

Tottenham will also be without midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur against Coventry after he was sent off for headbutting Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, while Savio and Bergvall have also now been ruled out through injury.

The major selection decision De Zerbi will be weighing up is whether to hand James Maddison his first Premier League start since April 2025.

The England midfielder has been in and out of the side so far this season after suffering a shoulder fracture during Spurs’ 3-0 defeat by Brentford on the opening weekend.

Maddison - who missed most of last season after knee surgery - made a positive impression off the bench against United, and he could now be trusted from the start against Coventry, with Tottenham in need of creative inspiration.

Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi responds to Richarlison over fresh criticism of squad exile

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De Zerbi responds to Richarlison over Tottenham criticism: 'He can find me' - London Evening Standard
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Richarlison expressed a desire to leave Spurs during the summer transfer window but a return to Everton never materialised, while a proposed switch to Vasco da Gama fell through after Deadline Day in the UK.

As a result, the Brazilian has been exiled from the Tottenham first-team picture. Unable to play in Premier League games due to not being named in the 25-man squad, he will also not be considered for selection in the FA Cup in January - if he is still at the club.

Though, after making a shock appearance for Tottenham last week in the EFL Trophy away at fourth-tier Cheltenham, Richarlison has backed criticism of De Zerbi by Everton legend Duncan Ferguson.

“You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground,” Ferguson was quoted as saying on The Overlap Daily.

Richarlison shared those quotes on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, along with the caption: “Thanks Duncan Ferguson, you are right.”

As expected, De Zerbi was asked about that latest post from Richarlison when he addresses the media at Hotspur Way on Sunday morning, ahead of Monday night’s must-win home clash with newly-promoted Coventry.

“It's not my problem any more. You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It's not my problem,” De Zerbi told reporters. “I know as a coach I have to support and take responsibility even when it's not my responsibility.

“I have not decided anything in this situation. If he wants to speak to me he can find me in my office until 8.30am until the evening.

Roberto De Zerbi reveals Dejan Kulusevski injury latest in new four-man Tottenham update

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Roberto De Zerbi has delivered an update on Dejan Kulusevski as the Tottenham star closes in on a long-awaited return from injury.

The Swede took part in an 11-a-side training match at Hotspur Way during the international break and travelled with the rest of the Tottenham squad to Old Trafford for last weekend’s draw with Manchester United in the Premier League.

Spurs are next in action on Monday night, facing newly-promoted Coventry at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and De Zerbi has revealed Kulusevski will be on the bench.

“Yes [he will be on the bench], the medical staff have given the ok. It's probably the greatest news since the Everton game,” the Tottenham head coach told reporters. “He has suffered too much.

"I told him yesterday and he had a big smile on his face."

However, in a double blow for Spurs, it has been confirmed that Savio and Lucas Bergvall will play no part against Coventry, while the game comes too soon for Pedro Porro to return from a hamstring injury.

“No Savio, unfortunately Savio on Tuesday before leaving for Marbella felt a muscular problem and we have lost him for some weeks,” De Zerbi added.

“And Lucas Bergvall because he had a problem in Manchester early on in the first chance he created for Dominic Solanke.

“He felt pain in his knee but felt fine and on Sunday he came to the training ground and he'll be out for two weeks.”

Tottenham: Richarlison backs Roberto De Zerbi criticism over Spurs exile in new update

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Brazilian forward Richarlison has been exiled from Spurs’ first-team picture this season after expressing a desire to leave but failing to secure an exit during the summer transfer window, with a switch to Vasco da Gama falling through on Deadline Day.

The former Everton and Watford star is ineligible for Premier League matches after being omitted from their squad, while De Zerbi has also confirmed that he will not be considered for selection in the senior cup competitions.

Richarlison did make a shock first competitive appearance of the season for Tottenham last week in the EFL Trophy, when he was surprisingly picked to play for Wayne Burnett’s Under-21s side away at fourth-tier Cheltenham.

He scored with a volley in a 2-2 draw that was played out in front of just a couple of hundred fans at the EV Charger Points Stadium, also netting in the subsequent penalty shootout, which Spurs lost 7-6.

Richarlison was commended for his application against Cheltenham, whose manager Steve Cotterill described his attitude as “immaculate” as he stayed behind after the full-time whistle to sign autographs for supporters.

The competition, in which Spurs still have to play Oxford next month as they battle to progress through to the knockout stage, will provide Richarlison’s only competitive football between now and the January window, when Tottenham will hope to offload him on a permanent basis.

There appears to be no chance of a thawing in the frosty relations between Richarlison and De Zerbi any time soon, with the player having backed criticism by Everton legend Duncan Ferguson of the way he has been treated in north London.

“You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground,” Ferguson, the former Toffees striker and interim manager who briefly coached Richarlison at on Merseyside, was quoted as saying on The Overlap Daily.

Richarlison shared those quotes on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, along with the caption: “Thanks Duncan Ferguson, you are right.”

De Zerbi is expected to be asked about that latest post from Richarlison when he addresses the media at Hotspur Way on Sunday morning, ahead of Monday night’s must-win home clash with newly-promoted Coventry.

Spurs have spent the last few days in a warm-weather training camp in Marbella, working on both morale and fitness as they desperately seek an end to their winless and goal-shy start to the Premier League season that has come despite a lavish summer transfer spend in excess of £300million.

Tottenham XI vs Coventry: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

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Transfer news LIVE: Shock Arsenal FC targets, Alvarez twist; Man Utd double deal; Chelsea, Liverpool latest

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Sport | Football

Transfer news LIVE: Shock Arsenal targets, Alvarez twist; Man Utd double deal; Chelsea, Liverpool latest

See all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip

Transfer targets: Alex Scott, Julian Alvarez and Kevin Schade

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George Flood, Senior Sport Editor @ GeorgeFlood24

Transfer news LIVE!

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all competing for crucial new signings as the January window edges ever closer. Arsenal are said to be eyeing a shock deal for Brentford star Kevin Schade, having also shown surprise interest in Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. There has been yet another twist in the Julian Alvarez transfer saga, with the Gunners also believed to be chasing the likes of Nicolo Tresoldi, Bazoumana Toure, Kenan Yildiz, Antonio Nusa and Nico Williams.

Manchester United could sign both Jarrad Branthwaite and Adrien Truffert in a key double swoop, with the Red Devils also rumoured to be eyeing Newcastle star Toure. Liverpool are understood to be leading Chelsea in the bidding war for Alex Scott, who, following a dramatic U-turn, will be allowed to leave Bournemouth in January for a significant fee up to £100million. Liverpool could sign Chelsea target Lamine Camara if they don’t get Scott, with Manu Kone also on their radar along with Johan Manzambi.

Endrick is believed to feature on a five-man Tottenham striker shortlist, while Spurs may also swoop for Tresoldi amid speculation over an immediate return for Will Lankshear. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

Lewis Hall explains decision to snub Manchester United transfer interest

Lewis Hall said it was a no-brainer to snub Manchester United’s transfer interest and extend his stay at Newcastle.

United were said to hold an interest in Hall for much of the summer as they looked to add cover and competition for Luke Shaw at left-back.

Hall did not have his head turned, though, and decided instead to extend his contract with the Magpies until the summer of 2031.

That decision was despite a summer of turmoil at St James’ Park which saw Eddie Howe make the surprise decision to leave the club and Matthias Jaissle installed as his replacement.

More on that here!

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Liverpool move confirmed

Liverpool tried to negotiate a deal with Inter Milan for Aleksandar Stankovic during the summer transfer window.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Liverpool were keen on signing the midfielder and attempted to include Curtis Jones as part of a deal.

Of course, Jones ended up making the switch but Stankovic has stayed put.

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Defender has no regrets over Arsenal transfer

This is what Jakub Kiwior has told Polish channel Sportowy about leaving Arsenal for Porto.

“I really wanted to come here. When I found out Porto wanted me and were interested, I was already saying ‘yes’, because I knew Porto would give me more time on the pitch, more opportunities to play and because it’s a very big club,” he said.

“Playing regularly is what helps you develop the most. Spending so much time on the pitch helps you grow with every game.

“I’m 100% happy with my decision to come here. The title confirmed that I’m in the right place.”

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Chelsea hopes of reviving £47m transfer revealed

Monaco have admitted that a Lamine Camara sale could be possible in the January transfer window, putting both Chelsea and Liverpool on alert.

The Senegal international was close to joining Chelsea in the summer as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who left to join Manchester City for £125million on transfer Deadline Day.

As reported by Standard Sport, an agreement had been reached between the Blues and Monaco for £47m.

Furthermore, Camara was expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the option of a further year, only for the French club to pull the plug on the deal at the last minute after an extraordinary U-turn.

The Blues continue to be linked with the midfielder, as are Liverpool, and hopes of reviving a deal in January have been raised with Monaco’s CEO Thiago Scuro revealing the club’s transfer plan.

Read more!

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Who is Mezian Mesloub? Manchester United identify Ligue 1 wonderkid

Manchester United are tracking rising Lens star Mezian Mesloub, as a potential replacement for JJ Gabriel.

According to reports, Man Utd’s scouting department have carried out extensive work on the teenager, who has already made his senior debut for the French club.

While United’s priority remains to keep Gabriel, their interest in Mesloub shows they are planning for the possibility that their highly-rated academy forward ultimately chooses a different path.

But who exactly is Mesloub? Standard Sport takes a look…

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'Micky van de Ven to Liverpool move is not impossible'

Despite the Tottenham captain signing a new deal in the summer, a move to Liverpool can't be ruled out.

Well, that's according to Ruud Gullit.

He said: "Micky van de Ven is now on a really good contract at Tottenham Hotspur but it’s not impossible. There's a lot still to be improved at Tottenham Hotspur. A lot. They have to step up and do so very soon as well.

"Who else could succeed Virgil Van Dijk if not Van De Ven? I saw his old mate Ibrahima Konate playing well for Real Madrid now. He was a good player but now he’s gone so we will have to see what Liverpool do now."

Ruud Gullit was speaking to ComeOn.

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Arsenal and Chelsea battle for Zechiel

Arsenal and Chelsea are chasing Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiel.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who claim the 22-year-old is on the radar of the London pair following an impressive start to the season.

Zechiel has been named in the senior Netherlands squad and could make his debut against Germany this week.

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Arteta agrees new Arsenal deal

Mikel Arteta has agreed a new Arsenal contract, per BBC Sport.

The Gunners boss won the Premier League last season, the club’s first title for 22 years, and has made a bright start to defending that title.

As such, he has been rewarded with a new deal and improved terms, which should take him into a decade as the club’s head coach.

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Manchester United and Chelsea step up Palmeiras scouting

Manchester United and Chelsea are stepping up their scouting of Palmeiras’ academy as they look to identify promising Brazilian talent at an early stage.

According to Sport Witness, officials from United and Chelsea have been regularly attending Palmeiras matches over the past month, with particular focus on the U15 side. Their scouting has also extended to younger age groups, with both clubs monitoring players as young as U12.

Palmeiras have produced several high-profile talents, including Gabriel Jesus, Endrick, Vitor Reis and Estevao. With international transfer rules preventing the youngest players from moving to England immediately, United and Chelsea appear focused on getting ahead of the competition for future stars.

AFP/Getty

Why Liverpool's move for Yankuba Minteh collapsed

Liverpool’s deal to sign Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh ultimately collapsed after the player suffered an injury.

According to Sport Witness, Liverpool have been interested in Minteh since October 2025 and first contacted his camp around February or March of this year. The Reds were targeting him as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool submitted a £60m offer before Brighton raised their demands to around £70m, with an August 25 deadline attached. When the Reds failed to meet that deadline, the price increased to £80m for the final week of the window.

However, Minteh's foot injury became the biggest concern late in the window. Journalist Foday Manneh claims Liverpool could have pushed towards £75m without the injury, but the setback ultimately prevented them from completing the deal.

AFP/Getty