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Roberto De Zerbi has praised James Maddison’s leadership, while revealing his plans for integrating the midfielder back into Tottenham Hotspur’s squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have been without James Maddison for the best part of a year and his loss has been felt by each member of the team.

Indeed, Spurs are 18th in the Premier League table, trailing London rivals West Ham by two points after they thrashed Wolves last weekend.

Therefore, it came as excellent news that Maddison returned to Tottenham training this week, providing hope of a return before the end of the season.

James Maddison will not be rushed by Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

Unfortunately, Maddison’s return will not be immediate, but this is actually a good thing considering how long he has been sidelined.

Instead of rushing the 29-year-old, Roberto De Zerbi is keen to ensure he is fully recovered before getting back to competitive action.

The Italian addressed this in his press conference, while reflecting on Maddison’s leadership, which he hopes will rub off on other players in the Tottenham first-team squad.

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“There are a lot of different types of leaders. Real leaders who talks inside the dressing room, Maddison is a top player on the pitch with the ball but also as a personality, mentality on the pitch,” De Zerbi said.

“I would like to reach this level for Micky van de Ven, [Joao] Palhinha is a leader, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, I would like to push with [Dominic] Solanke, he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I want him stronger as a character on the pitch.

I don’t want to push too much as we lost [Mohammed] Kudus in this way. I will use the players when they are totally available to play and start the training, it’s better to lose one game more than get another injury.”

Rodrigo Bentancur is back for Spurs

Although Maddison is not yet available, Bentancur has recovered from a hamstring injury which has seen him miss 11 Premier League matches since January.

The Uruguayan international was slammed for his lethargic performances earlier in the season, which all too often consisted of low-risk passes.

However, he might be able to help bring some control to a Tottenham midfield who need all the help they can get. Right now, De Zerbi needs as many players available as possible, otherwise the fate of Spurs will already be sealed.

Roberto De Zerbi has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of their crucial encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to resume their fight to avoid the drop this weekend as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Spurs come into this clash off the back of a winless run in 2026, having failed to win any of their last 14 league games this year – a stretch that has seen them drop into the Premier League’s bottom three for the first time this season.

Brighton, on the other hand, is in much better form, coming into this game off the back of three consecutive wins, including a 2-0 victory in their last encounter against Burnley.

Roberto De Zerbi’s former side is also pushing for a European spot, currently sitting ninth but just one point off sixth in the Europa League places and six points behind fifth in the Champions League spots.

They will be keen to secure victory on Saturday to boost their chances of European qualification.

However, De Zerbi will be aiming to dent those aspirations as he welcomes his former side to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since his move to north London.

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He will also be hoping to secure his first victory in front of his home support after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last time out.

Spurs remain the worst home side in the division, as they have managed just two wins in front of their home support all season.

Speaking ahead of the clash against his former side, De Zerbi has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham squad.

We expect that at least seven Spurs players could miss out on the game against Brighton this weekend, although that number could be reduced to seven following Rodrigo Bentancur’s return to training.

But while the Uruguayan has returned, Spurs are now set to be without Cristian Romero for five to seven weeks following the injury he picked up against Sunderland, and he is set to miss the rest of the season.

The Argentine now joins other long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus and Guglielmo Vicario, who are all out ahead of this fixture.

De Zerbi told the official Tottenham channels that Romero is ruled out for the season, Bentancur and Bissouma are available again, Vicario remains out, and James Maddison is not yet ready to return to action.

He said: “Bentancur is available to play, I don’t know if he’ll start the game or not, Bissouma is available but Vicario no.

“Kinsky played very well in Sunderland but Vicario is another important player for us, big experience, character and personality.”

Speaking to Football London, De Zerbi said on Romero: “I’m really sorry for him and his injury. First of all, non-stop, the people have to know he’s suffering because of this injury and because he can’t play anymore for us in this season.

“He’s a great captain for us and for Tottenham. We have to be positive, we have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are very good to play and give us quality with the ball.”

Tottenham Hotspur have already decided that three of their players will remain at the club next season, even if the club get relegated to the Championship.

Plenty of outlets have predicted a mass exodus from Spurs this summer in the event of relegation, with clubs around Europe circling over Tottenham’s best players.

That is an outcome that the Lilywhites will be keen to avoid, as relegation would have devastating financial consequences on Spurs.

However, it appears that the club are making some plans regarding their squad building in case their dreaded nightmare comes true and they find themselves in the second tier for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Tottenham consider Conor Gallagher and co to be ‘untouchable’

TEAMtalk have now claimed that even if Spurs go down, they will not sanction a full-scale squad clearout in the summer.

While some high-profile exits would be expected at Tottenham if they drop out of the top-flight, the club are keen to avoid a fire sale and retain a core group of players.

It is revealed that midfield is one area which Roberto De Zerbi’s men are keen to keep intact, with James Maddison, Conor Gallagher and Archie Gray all viewed as ‘untouchable’ by the Lilywhites.

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The midfield trio are seen as important to the club’s future, regardless of the division they play in, and their experience in the Championship is valued by Spurs.

The outlet asserts that Gray, Maddison and Gallagher remain fully committed to staying at Tottenham even if they go down.

Three big names are likely to depart Spurs if they are relegated

TEAMtalk point out that Tottenham’s wage structure includes salary reductions in case of relegations, which means they will not be under immediate pressure to sell players.

The club can afford to take ‘a more controlled appraoch’ to the summer window even if they go down, but some big names are expected to depart.

Tottenham Hotspur face a defining weekend in their fight for survival, with results elsewhere set to shape just how far a win could take them up the table.

There are no simple games for Tottenham Hotspur at this stage of the season as they fight to retain their Premier League status.

With six games left in the league, every match is simply a cup final, making it crucial for Tottenham to get wins on the board.

But Spurs have failed to do so since the turn of the year, with their dismal run of 14 games without a win now leaving them in the bottom three.

Tottenham fixtures compared with West Ham, Leeds and Forest as table stakes rise

Once again, this weekend provides Tottenham with a golden opportunity to turn their league fortunes around.

Last week, Spurs failed to secure any points, while two of their relegation rivals, West Ham United and Leeds United, won their respective games, with Nottingham Forest earning a draw in theirs.

That run has now seen them pull further away from Tottenham, who sit in 18th after West Ham leapfrogged them into 17th following their 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In matchweek 33, Spurs face Brighton and Hove Albion, and, on paper, they are the side with the tougher game, as no team in the league is in better form than the Seagulls.

But Tottenham cannot afford to lose this encounter, as they risk losing more ground to their relegation rivals – Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and West Ham United.

Should Spurs manage a win at the weekend, they could end the week as high as 16th, but that will mean results elsewhere must go their way.

Spurs survival hopes hinge on rivals’ fixtures this weekend

Looking at the games of their relegation rivals, it is difficult to see them dropping many points this matchweek.

West Ham United are up against Crystal Palace in 15th, Nottingham Forest face 19th-placed Burnley, while Leeds United play twice this gameweek, taking on 20th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers and an in-form AFC Bournemouth.

The Hammers could easily secure a draw or a win against Palace, while it would not be a surprise to see Forest beat Burnley.

Leeds, on the other hand, could beat Wolves, and should they manage to do the same against Bournemouth, they could well guarantee their own safety.

Ultimately, this gameweek is absolutely crucial for Tottenham, who take to the pitch before Forest and West Ham United and could pile some pressure on them with a victory.

But should Spurs not secure a win this gameweek and their relegation rivals all win their respective games, Tottenham could finish the matchweek five points adrift of safety.

Tottenham Hotspur have taken a big stride towards landing Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Over the past week, several outlets have reported that Tottenham are in close contact with Senesi’s representatives regarding a switch to N17 this summer.

Spurs are looking to get ahead of the competition for the Argentine’s signature, with the 28-year-old’s free agency making him an attractive target for several Premier League clubs.

It appears that the Lilywhites are now advancing on a deal for the Bournemouth star, even though their place in the Premier League next season is not yet guaranteed.

This comes after Tottenham also reached a verbal agreement with Andy Robertson over a summer transfer, if Spurs remain in the Premier League.

Tottenham are in advanced talks to land Marcos Senesi

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now revealed that Spurs are now holding ‘advanced talks’ with Senesi over a switch to North London.

Ornstein clarifies that any deal would be subject to Tottenham avoiding relegation to the Championship this season. However, as things stand, it is the Lilywhites who are ‘the leading contenders’ to land the defender.

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The journalist warns that no deal has been finalised between Spurs and Senesi just yet. The centre-back’s situation remains ‘open’ as other clubs continue to eye the player.

When Senesi is expected to make a final decision on his destination

The experienced defender has already told the Cherries that he is departing this summer, and it was initially reported that Senesi wants his future resolved before the World Cup.

However, earlier this week, talSPORT claimed that the Tottenham target wants to agree a deal with a new club before the end of the season.

One would thus expect these talks to accelerate over the coming weeks, and they may be greatly influenced by whether Spurs show signs that they can get out of their current relegation mess.

The unthinkable finally became reality for Tottenham Hotspur last week. A 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light, combined with West Ham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Wolves, dragged Spurs into the relegation zone for the first time since 2009. They could have climbed as high as 15th with a win, but instead sit 18th, two points adrift of safety.

It gets worse. Tottenham remain the only side in the division without a win since the turn of the calendar year, and there has been very little to suggest a team ready for a proper relegation scrap. That said, the Sunderland defeat was not without controversy. On another day, the hosts might have been reduced to ten men, and Spurs may well have taken all three points.

Brighton arrive in North London in a very different mood. Fabian Hurzeler’s side are on a three game winning run, most recently beating Burnley 2-0. Their only defeat in the last six came against league leaders Arsenal, with the other five ending in victory. Sitting 11th and just a point off the European places, their objective is clear in what has become a fiercely competitive middle pack.

What time does Tottenham vs Brighton kick off?

Location: London, England

Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Date: Saturday, 18th April 2026

Kick-off Time: 2 pm BST

Referee: Stuart Atwell

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Tottenham vs Brighton: Head to head record

Tottenham are winless in their last three meetings against Brighton, drawing one, which came in the reverse fixture, and losing the other two.

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However, over a wider sample of 20 matches, Spurs still hold the advantage with 12 wins and two draws. Their home record is even stronger, with eight wins from the last ten meetings in all competitions.

Tottenham team news

Spurs were dealt a major blow against Sunderland as captain Cristian Romero suffered a knee injury following a collision with Antonin Kinsky, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Other absentees include Ben Davies, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert.

There is some positive news, though. Rodrigo Bentancur has returned to training after his hamstring injury sustained in January, and Roberto De Zerbi is expected to provide clarity on his availability in his pre-match press conference.

Brighton team news

Brighton’s only absentees are Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas, leaving Fabian Hurzeler with an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bergvall, Gray; Tel, Richarlison, Simons

Brighton: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross, Baleba; Hinshelwood, Minteh, Welbeck

Our prediction

There are no more hiding places for Tottenham now. Relegation is no longer a distant threat, it is a very real possibility.

Keep an eye on Xavi Simons. Interestingly, he has started in 11 of Tottenham’s 12 wins in all competitions since arriving, yet continues to be rotated far more than expected, especially with players like Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha struggling for consistency.

For Brighton, Danny Welbeck remains a key figure. He is pushing for a place in England’s World Cup squad, and his work rate, pressing, and movement will test Tottenham’s back line.

Spurs are going to insist on playing out from the back, that is just how De Zerbi sets up, but against a Brighton side that loves to press and force mistakes, that could either look brave or completely backfire if they are not sharp on the ball.

De Zerbi fairly knows this Brighton side inside out, and that familiarity might just give Spurs the edge in what feels like a must-win fixture.

Tottenham are running out of leaders at the worst possible time, and with injuries stripping the squad bare, Roberto De Zerbi may now be forced into bold decisions as he looks for a new voice to guide Spurs through their final six games. We have now identified five players he could turn to as Tottenham captain.

A lot has been said about what Tottenham Hotspur need to do if they are to avoid the drop this season. There have been calls for the players to show more fight, while questions have been asked about the leaders in this group, who have often failed to step up to the challenge.

Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies and James Maddison are members of the Spurs leadership group, but they have barely done anything to prevent this season’s slump.

In the defence of a few, however, like Maddison and Davies, injuries have hindered their ability to help on the pitch, but for the rest, they simply have not been good enough.

Romero, the club captain, is now sidelined for the rest of the season, joining Vicario, Davies and Maddison, leaving Spurs to turn to other players in the final stretch of the campaign.

We have now identified five players Roberto De Zerbi could turn to as Tottenham captain for the final six games of the Premier League season.

Micky van de Ven can naturally step into Spurs captain role

With van de Ven, it is the natural move to turn to him to lead the group in the absence of many other leaders.

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He is currently part of the leadership group, which has been decimated by injuries, making him the next to pull on the armband for the remainder of the season.

It is not unfamiliar territory for the Dutchman, who has captained this Tottenham side several times already this campaign in the absence of Romero.

In fact, in the last game against Sunderland, he took the armband when the Argentine went off injured, so it makes sense for Roberto De Zerbi to turn to him for the final stretch of the season.

Pedro Porro offers leadership through example for Spurs

While not part of the leadership team, Pedro Porro is one of the few others who count as a leader within this Tottenham side.

In the game against Sunderland, he showed a desire to lead by example as he looked to force the issue in the final third when nothing was working for Spurs.

He is also one of the few who has spoken in these trying times for the club. Porro revealed that he knows how it feels to be a fan of Tottenham and expressed a desire to improve things on the pitch.

This season, the Spaniard has pulled on the armband once, and if De Zerbi is looking for a fresh voice, he remains an option.

Archie Gray could emerge as a surprise Tottenham captain choice

Archie Gray is another player De Zerbi could turn to, even if he is one of the youngest in this Tottenham side.

The Englishman represents a player who leads by example, as he remains one of the more consistent performers for Spurs this season.

He has stepped up in midfield, showing a willingness to take responsibility in his play, never shy to demand the ball.

At times this season, Gray has even spoken like a leader, calling on his teammates to step up as they look to beat the drop.

Making him captain – or giving him a leadership role – will be welcomed by many fans who have praised Gray’s performances and see him as a future Spurs captain.

Solanke even stated that Archie has become one of the leaders in the Tottenham dressing room, highlighting how much of an influence he is becoming.

We do believe Gray’s performances this season could see him reach the same feat Lucas Bergvall managed last term.

Conor Gallagher brings the captaincy experience Tottenham need

The signing of Conor Gallagher was seen as one where Tottenham brought in a player with a wealth of experience.

When you look at his CV, it is hard to argue against that, given the amount of football he has played at the top level for sides fighting at different levels, including teams gunning for Champions League places and sides battling relegation.

Gallagher also has experience as a captain, having worn the armband for Chelsea at times when former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino was in charge.

That exposure to leadership makes him a good fit for Spurs in this difficult moment. He was also at West Brom at one point in his career, where they fought to stay in the division, and such experience could come in handy as a leader at Tottenham.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s return could boost Tottenham’s leadership

Rodrigo Bentancur has only just returned to first-team training after three months out with injury and is set to be a big part of the final run of games.

Many Spurs fans believe Bentancur could be crucial, as he brings calmness and composure in midfield, particularly with his press resistance – something that has been lacking in his absence.

Not only are his on-field qualities needed, but his return could also bring leadership to this squad, given his experience at both club and international level.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are once again preparing to play their part ahead of a crucial home clash, with plans in place to create a powerful atmosphere in the Brighton game despite a recent pre-match coach meet setback.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are doing all they can to back their side during what is a difficult period for the club, who have now slipped into the Premier League’s bottom three for the first time this season following a dismal winless run in 2026.

In Spurs’ last home game against Nottingham Forest, thousands of Lilywhites supporters came out to greet their team in a pre-match coach meet, to spur them on in their relegation six-pointer.

Sadly, however, those efforts did not bring about the desired results, as Tottenham fell to a 3-0 defeat against Forest – a match that ultimately led to the parting of ways with interim boss Igor Tudor.

Tottenham fans plan atmosphere boost vs Brighton despite coach meet setback

Following their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last weekend, Tottenham are now set to return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this gameweek, where they will host Brighton and Hove Albion, with Spurs supporters once again planning to offer unwavering backing to their side.

A pre-match coach meet was again planned, but Roberto De Zerbi’s plans ahead of the Brighton game have seen those arrangements scuppered.

However, that in itself is not going to deter a committed group of fans who are looking to play their part in their club’s relegation battle.

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Taking to the social media platform X, THFC Flags announced plans to create a rocking atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In their post, they outlined their intention to organise a visual show of support inside the ground and urged fans to play their part.

Their tweet read: “This Saturday against Brighton we will have a sea of flags – with one on every fan’s seat. The players need our support more than ever and we wanted to create a visual show of support. We also urge all fans to wear white.

“We will have the larger flags out too. If you would like one, please let us know and we will place the flag under your seat – you will also keep it under your chair during game play and can wave it at half time as the players emerge from the tunnel again.”

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi praises Tottenham fans’ support

Roberto De Zerbi has had nothing but kind words for the Tottenham supporters since he joined the club, appreciating their backing during a difficult period.

However, his players must now match the energy of the fans by getting points on the board with six games left to play this season.

Speaking about the impact of the fans and their continued support, De Zerbi highlighted how they have consistently backed the team and stressed the need for the players to respond.

He said: “The Tottenham Hotspur fans have helped the players every time, every game. I know what they did before the last Tottenham game. Now is a different moment and we have to give something more for them because they deserve it and we want to play in Premier League next season.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion is fast approaching, and all eyes will now turn to Roberto De Zerbi’s pre-match press conference, where several key questions are expected to be addressed.

Tottenham Hotspur’s encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion is now only a few hours away, with the two sides set to lock horns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what will be Roberto De Zerbi’s home debut as Spurs boss.

Tottenham simply need to secure a victory if they are to keep their hopes of survival alive, but doing so against the most in-form side in the league at the moment is a big ask.

Regardless, preparation for the crucial encounter has since begun, with first-team training already having taken place at Hotspur Way.

Next on the agenda is a pre-match press conference where De Zerbi will face the media and answer several questions regarding his side, and we have now identified three that many Spurs fans will be eager to get an answer to.

Will Tottenham welcome Rodrigo Bentancur back to the squad?

No doubt, one question that will be on the minds of many Tottenham fans is whether Rodrigo Bentancur will make the matchday squad on Saturday.

The Uruguayan has missed the last three months because of a hamstring injury but returned to first-team training this week ahead of the Brighton encounter.

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Many Spurs fans have reacted positively to Bentancur’s return, seeing it as a boost for the Lilywhites, who could do with some composure in midfield.

However, what Tottenham fans will not want is another setback, with the Uruguayan so close to a return. We expect to learn more from De Zerbi about the midfielder’s chances of featuring on Saturday.

Spurs goalkeeper situation: Guglielmo Vicario or Antonin Kinsky to start?

While the likes of James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur were spotted in training in the last couple of days, Guglielmo Vicario was nowhere to be seen.

We do know that Vicario – who has played through pain for most of the season – is recovering from hernia surgery, which is why he was absent from last week’s game.

In the Italian’s absence, Kinsky was in goal and did put in a solid display against Sunderland, not putting a foot wrong, but it remains to be seen if he continues this weekend.

If Vicario has returned to training, we will expect De Zerbi to provide an update on that and whether he is likely to start in goal for Spurs.

When could James Maddison actually return for Tottenham?

As mentioned earlier, James Maddison remains among those to have returned to first-team training with the Tottenham squad this week.

Of course, this is not the first time Maddison has been involved in training outdoors, as the midfielder shared an update on his return a few weeks back.

However, with more appearances alongside the first-team squad, there is a feeling that a return is not too far away.

We already revealed that, despite several first-team training appearances, Maddison still remains a long way away from featuring.

But that may not be the case, which makes it important for De Zerbi to provide more clarity on the Englishman’s return.

A familiar name could be set for a Premier League return, with former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho now emerging as a leading contender for a high-profile job.

Given Tottenham Hotspur’s knack for hiring and firing managers, it is no surprise that a few of their former bosses have gone on to manage other clubs in the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou’s departure after his Europa League triumph last season made him the 15th to be axed by the famously ruthless Daniel Levy in his 20-plus years as Spurs chairman.

Unsurprisingly, in less than a year, two more managers have been added to that list, with Thomas Frank, Postecoglou’s successor, axed earlier this season, while Frank’s successor, Igor Tudor, followed suit after both failed to make an impact in N17.

Ex-Tottenham Jose Mourinho emerges for Newcastle job after Eddie Howe struggles

TalkSport is now reporting that yet another former Tottenham manager could become a Premier League boss at a different club next season.

It is claimed that Jose Mourinho has emerged as a “genuine contender” for a sensational return to the Premier League, with the former Spurs manager reportedly identified as the leading candidate to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.

Howe has had an impressive spell at Tyneside, but a poor run of form this season, which has left the Magpies in 14th, has led the club’s hierarchy to consider a change ahead of next season, with Mourinho earmarked as their preferred target.

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However, nothing is certain, as Mourinho is also a contender for the Portugal job should Roberto Martinez step down from the role following the World Cup.

Should Mourinho return to the Premier League, he will become the seventh manager to have been sacked by Spurs and then gone on to manage another team in the Premier League.

Spurs exits continue to shape Premier League managerial landscape

That number could increase further by next season, as it is understood that Thomas Frank could also return to management following his departure from Spurs.

The former Brentford manager is understood to be on the radar of Crystal Palace, who see him as the ideal replacement for Oliver Glasner, who is set to depart this summer.