Football London

Calum McFarlane faces some tough decisions for Chelsea's penultimate Premier League fixture of the season against Tottenham, just 72 hours after the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City

It has been just 48 hours since Chelsea were beaten in the FA Cup final by Manchester City, but it almost feels a lifetime ago.

So much has happened since. Just over an hour after the final whistle was blown at Wembley Stadium, we brought you the news that an agreement had been reached between the Blues and Xabi Alonso over a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Since then, Chelsea have confirmed Alonso will take over on July 1.

Now, though, the focus is on finishing the season in the best possible way. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane - as always was the plan - will take the final two matches of the season. The Blues still have an outside shot of finishing in the European places.

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Tottenham are the visitors to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening as Chelsea's London rivals look to secure their Premier League status next season. With all of this being said, our Chelsea writers Bobby Vincent and Jake Stokes discuss and debate the Blues line-up they would choose for this fiercely-contested rivalry.

Bobby Vincent

McFarlane has gone with the 3-4-2-1 formation in the last two matches, perhaps with Alonso, who used a similar system during his successful period with Bayer Leverkusen, in mind. However, at home against Spurs, Chelsea need to try and take the game to Roberto De Zerbi's men.

He might choose to revert to a more orthodox four-back formation. Robert Sanchez as the goalkeeper, of course, with Malo Gusto at right-back. Reece James might need a rest given he returned from a hamstring injury in the FA Cup final at the weekend.

If the Blues go with four defenders, Trevoh Chalobah should return alongside Jorrel Hato. Given Levi Colwill has completed two full matches in the space of a week, the England international will surely start this one on the substitutes' bench.

Andrey Santos should come into the midfield in place of James. Romeo Lavia picked up a "small knock" in the build-up to the FA Cup final, so the Belgian midfielder is a doubt for this one. In front of the midfield, Cole Palmer is set to start on the right-hand side, with Enzo Fernandez in the No.10 role and perhaps Pedro Neto returning to the team on the left wing.

Alejandro Garnacho will be keen to get some minutes as he looks to impress Alonso, who will be watching on from somewhere. Garnacho being an out-and-out winger does not help his case when Alonso arrives, if the Spaniard opts with a wing-back formation.

Bobby's XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro

Jake Stokes

The former Tottenham star has informed the struggling club that he's available should they need him

Toby Alderweireld has offered to make a stunning return to Tottenham Hotspur to turn the club's fortunes around.

Having started in Spurs' Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019, the former Belgium defender has since witnessed the fall of the north London club that has resulted in their relegation fight this season.

Alderweireld retired last year but has told Spurs that he will return to the club in a non-playing role if they need his help. Speaking to The Athletic, the 37-year-old said: "If Tottenham need help, I’m there, why not? I think the other guys would feel the same.

"We had a wonderful team at that time, that was our strength. If I think about Sonny, Harry Kane, myself, Jan Vertonghen, they were down-to-earth people, good guys. They always put the club number one. Those are the people you want in your club."

Alderweireld cited his upbringing at Ajax where club legends held positions of authority to continue passing down the culture of the Dutch giants. He explained: "I always liked the clubs that have players who played there, who know the culture and what it is to play for the badge.

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"When I was at Ajax, there was Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar, Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank de Boer all in positions, and it helps to have those people in the club — players who achieved things and who are 100 per cent for the club."

A role of such a capacity would be Alderweireld's first in football. Since hanging up his boots after a three-year stint with Royal Antwerp, the ex-defender has focused his time on running his own liquor company and giving business presentations to crowds surpassing a thousand people.

The Belgian was adored during his six-year stay in the capital. Two matches remain in a horrendous season for Spurs who can seal their Premier League status with a win against Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur head coach said on Monday afternoon ahead of the Premier League match at Chelsea

Roberto De Zerbi had plenty to talk about at his press conference on Monday afternoon ahead of Tottenham's trip to Chelsea in the Premier League.

Following West Ham's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle, Spurs need just a point from either of their remaining two matches to keep them in the Premier League, barring a remarkable goal difference swing. A victory would guarantee their top flight status and De Zerbi will be hoping his team can prevent tension spreading into the final day by picking up a rare victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Tottenham have won only once at Chelsea in the Premier League era but come into the game on a four-match unbeaten streak under De Zerbi. Their hosts, after Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, will also have a new man at the helm in the summer after the confirmation Xabi Alonso will be begin on July 1.

De Zerbi gave updates on Monday on the fitness of Dominic Solanke and Guglielmo Vicario as well as skipper Cristian Romero and vice-captain James Maddison.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to the Spurs boss. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at Hotspur Way.

What's the latest team news?

Viciario is available to play. I decide tomorrow [who will start in goal]. Solanke is not good yet. He is not available. He feels something. I don’t want to take a risk for this game. We hope for Sunday. Maybe for Sunday he can be available for one part of the game.

Are your players ready to take advantage of West Ham's defeat to Newcastle and secure their safety?

My players have to be ready to play a good game. To play a game with courage, with pride, with work on the pitch and to try to make three points to win the game but we have to keep the balance. When we win, we are over. When we lose or maybe like against Leeds, we didn’t win but we felt something bad. Football is to keep the same balance, if you win or if you lose, in every result.

Spurs have only won once at Stamford Bridge out of 35 attempts? Why is it so hard?

Stamford Bridge is difficult. Tough stadium because the players of Chelsea in this last 30 to 25 seasons have been fantastic. Fantastic players, fantastic managers. But tomorrow is a new game, they played three days ago, two days ago very well. Maybe they didn’t deserve to lose the game. I know very well a lot of players and their style is clear. It is a tough game for us for sure.

How confident are you that Spurs have the resilience to get a result tomorrow?

We have to play with confidence because in the last four games, the last five games with me, because we didn't deserve to lose the game in Sunderland, but in the last four we made eight points. And if you analyse the performance, I think we could make more points than eight.

And for that we have to be confident, to be positive. Anyway, we can't forget one month ago what was the situation. We are not safe yet, it's tough in the Premier League.

Making one point is tough because all teams fight on the pitch, all teams are very tough to beat. But we have the quality enough and we have to show the quality with the right mentality, the right spirit. I want to see courage on the pitch, try the condition to win the game, like in the last period.

How do you expect Conor Gallagher to react to his Chelsea return?

From Conor, I expect the same performance. He's a great player for us, great personality. He doesn't speak too much, but he speaks on the pitch. On the pitch, with his work, with his personality, and we are lucky to have one player like this.

How much did you enjoy working with Moises Caicedo at Brighton and what have you made of his time at Chelsea?

Caicedo was a great player [at Brighton], it was a pleasure working with him. Like Robert Sanchez, like Levi Colwill and João Pedro. I think Caicedo now is one of the best midfielders in the world. Because he's a complete player, with the ball, without the ball.

But also our midfielders are very good. Palhinha, Bentancur, Gallagher and the others Gray, Bissouma, Bergvall, Pape, Sarr. I'm happy because I'm working with my players.

You've been positive from the start, not accepting any negativity, has that been the key?

I have just one face. I consider myself very honest as a man. I have big confidence in my players. I always started from the quality of the players. If I see, if I recognise the right qualities of my players I'm always positive. Then in the second moment after I came I knew the players better and the qualities of the players, the qualities of the people, I thought there was the right chance to fight. It's not finished but at the moment I'm happy with what the players have done in my time, but we need another step.

If you get that point then you're safe and you can start building towards next season. The summer includes the World Cup, how busy is it for a manager when....

Listen my head is not big enough to think about two, three, four things together. Now we have to reach the target and to make another result. We have to play another two games. We try to achieve the target tomorrow for the future we have all summer to think and to make plans, to make the project, everything.

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How difficult is your goalkeeper decision with Vicario not sharp yet and Kinsky in good form?

No, it's not difficult. It's easy.

You did say Vicario is your number one...

Yes, Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the moment, everything, but I have a big relationship with Antonin Kinsky and Vicario as well and there will not be any problem.

James Maddison has got probably more minutes than he expected against Leeds, 20 minutes, how much can he play against Chelsea?

At the beginning of this week, he didn't work for a small problem. But yesterday and today, James is working very well. He's a special player, he's a different player. Now he's not ready to play 90 minutes. I want to speak with him tomorrow morning and to take the best decision we can.

You have had a group of injured players cheering the team on and we saw Cristian Romero running out and celebrating Tel’s goal…

Cristian Romero is a big player, you know he is a big player, but he is an amazing guy because he has been a great captain in my time even though he didn’t play. We are talking by phone and when he stay here, every morning he came in my office and he was inside of the season.

I was going to ask, he put a video on social media of him sprinting on the training pitches, is there any chance we see him before the end of the season?

I don’t know, but listen, we have to play another two games. Now for our injured players when are they available after a long time with injury? It is a big problem because the season is tough and only one target we have now. Play with Romero? Play with Vicario? Play with Kinsky? The target is just one and to stay up and make point tomorrow because this is the target for everyone. Individual targets now are not important.

Now you are one point and one win away from the goal, what made the difference for you guys?

It is not finished yet and it is not correct if I answer you now. Before answering your question we have to make a point in the Premier League and especially in the Premier League, to make one point you have to fight and play very well. We have to keep focused on the game and then we can answer and make a big press conference, two to three hours of a press conference but now is not the right time.

Let me ask what did you do to motivate the players?

Nothing special. They deserve to stay up and they deserve to play in Premier League. They are good players and maybe they have to believe more in themselves and to stop the negative thoughts. Just it.”

How important is it for you that Cristian Romero is here next season?

It is a good question but it is the wrong timing no? First of all now the focus is Chelsea. Second point, Romero is a great player and the most important is the behaviour and how much the player wants to stay in this club. We are going to take all the decisions after this season and after the Everton game.

Mathys Tel scored against Leeds but gave away a penalty. How has he reacted in the week since?

A great reaction. He is a mature guy. Maybe more outside of the pitch than on the pitch because he is not playing so many games in his career, but he has big potential. He is a lovely guy, he is a positive guy and he has strong character. I think the future he can play better and better and he can become a great player for us.

You know Tottenham’s record at Stamford Bridge, would it be a miracle to win there tomorrow?

No, but to win a game tomorrow we have to play a great game against a great, great team.

Roberto De Zerbi has spoken to the press ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Roberto De Zerbi has provided an injury update ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Chelsea.

Speaking to reporters at Hotspur Way on Monday afternoon, the Lilywhites boss began by confirming that Guglielmo Vicario, who underwent hernia surgery in March, is available for selection. De Zerbi said: "Vicario is available to play. I decide tomorrow."

On whether it'll be a difficult to decide who starts between the sticks, with Antonin Kinsky in fine form, he said: "No, it is not difficult. It is easy. Vicario is number one, but we have to consider the physical condition, the momentum and everything.

"I have a big relationship with Kinsky and Vicario as well, and there will be no problem," added De Zerbi. The Italian then ruled out Dominic Solanke, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-0 win over Wolves last month.

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At the start of May, following the 2-1 victory against Aston Villa, De Zerbi told football.london that he hoped the striker would be ready to face Chelsea. But the Spurs boss has pushed back the return date.

"Solanke is not good yet," said De Zerbi. "Not available. He feels something, and I don't want to take the risk for this game. We hope for Sunday, he can be available for one part of the game."

On Tuesday night, Conor Gallagher will return to Stamford Bridge. The midfielder, whom Tottenham signed from Atletico Madrid in January for £35m, spent 18 years at Chelsea, earning his stripes in the academy before becoming a regular in the Premier League and on the international stage with England.

On Gallagher, De Zerbi said: "From Conor, I expect the same performance he has been doing. Great player, great personality. He doesn't speak too much, but he speaks on the pitch with his work and his personality."

Spurs are unbeaten in four games, winning two and drawing two. On the confidence in the team, De Zerbi said: "We didn't deserve to lose the first game at Sunderland, but we made eight points from the next four, and we deserved to get more points.

"But we can't remember how things were a month ago. To get one point is tough, because all teams fight on the pitch. I want to see the right spirit, character and courage on the pitch."

Tottenham can avoid relegation and seal a place in the Premier League next season with a win over Chelsea. As it stands, with two games to play, the Lilywhites are two points adrift of West Ham in the bottom three.

On whether the fight for survival has been a wake-up call, De Zerbi said: "No, listen, one thing at a time. Now we need to play two games.

"We need to make other points to achieve our target and then have the right time to talk about the problems we have had, but it's not time right now and to lose energy over it."

Although a draw at Stamford Bridge would likely be enough to secure English top-flight status for another year, it would not mathematically guarantee safety. If Spurs only manage to bank a point in west London on Tuesday evening, they will go down if, on the final day of the campaign, they lose to Everton and the Hammers beat Leeds United by a 13-goal difference.

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach could have a big decision to make in the days ahead in a crucial position in his starting line-up

Roberto De Zerbi made a big statement a couple of weeks ago about his Tottenham goalkeepers and the coming days will prove just how much he meant it.

The Italian was asked the week before the draw against Leeds United whether his compatriot Guglielmo Vicario would return to his position between the sticks when the 29-year-old returned to full fitness following his absence from hernia surgery.

"Vicario is still the first goalkeeper of Tottenham, because what Vicario showed this season is enough to consider him a top player for us. But we have to consider the physical condition, the period – how many games he missed and we will see when Vicario will be good," said the Spurs boss.

This weekend the north London club released images from training which appeared to show the Italy international finally back on the pitches of Hotspur Way.

So will Vicario return immediately between the sticks as Tottenham make the trip to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night? The answer will likely be decided by two 'problems'.

The first is just how fit Vicario actually is. He has been out for longer than he or Spurs expected. The club announced that he should be back within the month after his surgery at the end of March. However, approaching two months later and the stopper's return to training has been later than planned.

The other problem for Vicario is a certain Antonin Kinsky. The 23-year-old has been on top form since stepping into the breach, putting that nightmare evening in Madrid far in the rearview mirror.

The Czech had already made a top save at Wolves to stop Joao Gomes' free-kick in the 98th minute and just days after De Zerbi's comments about Vicario, Kinsky made two fantastic stops against Leeds. The first was to prevent Joe Rodon's header from crossing the goal line and then at the end of the game the young keeper reacted superbly to deflect Sean Longstaff's powerful close range effort on to the crossbar and away.

"He's improving a lot. He’s a good goalkeeper," De Zerbi said after Kinsky's latest display. "I had no doubt in my first days in Tottenham because I knew him before coming here. He played in Madrid, he made that mistake, and it was tough for him. He has great personality, strong character and he deserves to play a game like today."

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Kinsky is match fit and sharp after five games in a row. After two months out, there is no opportunity for Vicario to reach anywhere near that sort of sharpness.

"But we have to consider the physical condition, the period – how many games he missed and we will see when Vicario will be good" was a key end to De Zerbi's statement on his compatriot. He could argue that Vicario is back in training but not yet "good".

Vicario does have the experience Kinsky lacks and is a vocal leader of the backline at a time when it is missing captain Cristian Romero. Many would have also said that while Kinsky is better with the ball at his feet, Vicario had the edge on Kinsky in the shotstopping stakes, but then came a string of excellent saves from the younger man in recent weeks.

It's also important to take into account that Kinsky has shown tremendous character to bounce back from that night in Spain and Spurs need that kind of battling mentality in these final two games of this campaign if they are to remain in the Premier League.

"I know myself, I know the way that my parents raised me, it doesn’t matter how difficult the moment is in life, that's the challenge, to deal with it, and it’s a nice feeling when you do that. While what happened was something that I didn’t wish for, these things happen, and it wasn't my first bad moment," he explained.

"Until the moment that I got here, when I was playing in the different divisions in Czechia, there have been moments like this. The only difference is that more people see it here. I’m not too worried about how those people feel about me. I care about how I feel about myself. I think this is why it hasn't affected me too much.

"I think for me, coming back in goal, even after something like that happens, I get confidence from the work that I put in if I know that I do the maximum every day I can. If there is a game that I’m not playing in, in the morning I do some warm-ups, and after the game I go on to the pitch because I have a lot of energy. For me, it’s another day to use wisely and get the most out of."

There is also the issue of Vicario's future at Tottenham beyond this month. He has been strongly linked with a return to Italy and Inter Milan, with reports in his homeland claiming the goalkeeper has already agreed personal terms with the Serie A giants.

It's worth noting perhaps that while De Zerbi made it clear that he "100 per cent" wants Tottenham to bring the on-loan Joao Palhinha back next season, he was unwilling to commit on Vicario's future at the club when asked about him.

"I don’t know. If you ask me if I’ve any ideas about next season, my answer is no," said the head coach. "For two reasons, one, I have no time to think about next season, and two, after two wins if I lose time thinking about next season’s squad I am being arrogant. You think after two wins, after a very tough period, you already consider yourself safe? No, no."

De Zerbi will hold his latest press conference on Monday afternoon at Hotspur Way ahead of the trip to Chelsea the following day. He will be asked about Vicario and the latest on the goalkeeper's fitness and potential selection. The Spurs head coach's response will be a crucial one.

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach is speaking to the media on Monday afternoon ahead of the Premier League game at Chelsea

Roberto De Zerbi is holding his press conference on Monday afternoon ahead of Tottenham's trip to Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Following West Ham's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday evening, Spurs now know that a point from either of their remaining two matches should be enough to keep them in the Premier League, barring a huge goal difference swing towards the Hammers. A victory would mathematically secure their top flight status and De Zerbi will be hoping his team can prevent the tension sweeping into the last day of the season by picking up a rare victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Tottenham have won only once at Chelsea in the Premier League era but have been better on their travels this season and come into the game on a four-game unbeaten streak under their new head coach. The Blues, who come into the derby off the back of Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, will also have a new manager in the summer after the confirmation that Xabi Alonso will be taking the helm from July 1.

De Zerbi will provide updates on Monday on the fitness of Dominic Solanke and Guglielmo Vicario as well delivering the latest on captain Cristian Romero, who has taken his knee brace off and has been sprinting on the training ground pitches in a video he posted on social media.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the questions to the Spurs boss. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference at Hotspur Way.

Is this a wake-up call for Spurs?

No listen, one thing at a time. Now we need to play two games. We need to make other points to achieve our target and then have the right time to talk about the problems we have had, but it's not time right now and to lose energy over it.

On confidence in the team

We didn't deserve to lose the first game at Sunderland but we made eight points from the next four and we deserved to get more points. But we can't remember how things were a month ago. To get one point is tough, because all teams fight on the pitch. I want to see the right spirit, character and courage on the pitch.

On Conor Gallagher facing his old side

From Conor I expect the same performance he has been doing. Great player, great personality. He doesn't speak too much but he speaks on the pitch with his work and his personality.

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Tel's reaction in the week

Great reaction. Very mature guy, maybe more so outside the pitch than on it because he hasn't played that many games. He's a lovely guy, strong character and in the future he can play better and better and become a great player for us.

More on that goalkeeping decision

No, it is not difficult. It is easy. Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the momentum and everything. I have a big relationship with Kinsky and Vicario as well and there will be no problem.

Team news

Vicario is available to play. I decide tomorrow. Solanke is not good yet. Not available. He feels something and I don't want to take the risk for this game. We hope for Sunday he can be available for one part of the game.

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Spurs have made a subtle change to their stadium

The north London club have made a little very recent change inside their stadium for the players. Click here to see whether you had noticed it or not.

De Zerbi will face two opponents at Stamford Bridge

Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs will face two opponents on Tuesday night. For more on what that means exactly, have a read right here.

The latest injury news

The latest on Spurs' eight injured players and potential return dates can be found by reading right here.

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Here's what Spurs need to do

You can find the permutations for Spurs in the Premier League and their final two games after the weekend's results by heading right here.

Welcome to Hotspur Way

Roberto De Zerbi will be with us shortly to look ahead to Spurs' trip to Chelsea.

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Calum McFarlane has spoken to the press ahead of Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Calum McFarlane has provided an update on Romeo Lavia ahead of Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The 22-year-old midfielder was left out of the matchday squad on Saturday afternoon when the Blues lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Lavia had started three of the last four games for Chelsea across all competitions, rebuilding his fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Belgian made his long-awaited return to action at the start of March and has since played 13 times.

Only six of the appearances were starts, and Lavia didn't complete a full game in either. After featuring in each of the Blues' last eight Premier League games in some capacity, he was an unused substitute in the draw to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month.

Then, Lavia didn't even make the matchday squad for the FA Cup final at the weekend. Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Monday morning, the interim Blues boss confirmed the midfielder had suffered a knock.

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When asked to provided an update on Lavia, McFarlane said: "Romeo picked up a slight knock in the build-up to the game. Nothing major. But with Romeo, I didn't want to take that risk.

"He didn't want to take that risk. I thought he was brilliant in the games that he did play, in the same way Levi did. But you just have to be careful with players like that."

Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile were also left out at the weekend. On the Chelsea duo, McFarlane added: "They didn't make the squad. They're training really well, training really hard - we can use them in the next two games potentially.

"We've got a lot of players in those positions. You want to make sure you've got the right players in defence. There's nothing to report on those two."

Lavia, as well as Sarr and Benoit Badiashile, will hope to establish themselves as key players under Xabi Alonso next season. The 44-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will begin his role as Chelsea manager on July 1.

football.london understands that Alonso will work closely with Chelsea's five-strong sporting leadership team in the summer transfer window. It's believed that he and the directors are aligned over the areas of the squad that need to be improved on at the end of the season.

The three Blues players that missed out on the chance to showcase their talent in the FA Cup final will hope to make an impression in either of the last two games of the season. Lavia, in particular, could become a key player for Chelsea under Alonso.

In an interview with the Evening Standard before the defeat to Pep Guardiola's side at Wembley Stadium, the Belgian pledged his allegiance to the Chelsea project. He insisted: "The day I lose belief, I will probably be the first one to leave this place.

"When you're in the building, never at any point do you see a loss of belief. On a personal note, I 100 per cent believe we will turn it around and get back to the Chelsea everyone knows."

Tottenham now know exactly what they must do in the final week of the Premier League season after West Ham's defeat on Sunday

Roberto De Zerbi knows that his Tottenham players have to bring in one point from their final two games to all but guarantee their Premier League safety.

West Ham fell to a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday evening to make it three consecutive losses, after going down to Arsenal and Brentford in the previous fixtures. In contrast, Spurs have picked up under De Zerbi with a four game unbeaten run and seven points from their past three matches.

The result on Sunday leaves the Hammers two points behind Tottenham with just a single game to play, while the north London outfit have two matches to go, starting with Tuesday night's trip to Stamford Bridge.

In essence, Spurs need a point from either of their remaining games to stay up, barring a ridiculous set of results, for West Ham have a goal difference of -22 and that is 13 worse than De Zerbi's men's on -9.

Tottenham could guarantee their Premier League place next season if they could win at Chelsea in midweek. That is easier said than done because the Lilywhites have won just a solitary game in the Premier League era at that West London ground. It came in 2018 during the peak Mauricio Pochettino years, with Dele Alli scoring twice after Christian Eriksen's stunner from 25 yards had cancelled out Alvaro Morata's headed opener.

That victory represented the first time in more than 28 years that Tottenham had gone across the capital in the league and beaten Chelsea on their own turf. It has not been repeated since, with 21 defeats and 11 draws in all for Tottenham at that venue in the Premier League era around that sole triumph.

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Chelsea, who will have Xabi Alonso take over as manager in the summer, come into the game just three days after losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City while Spurs have had eight days to prepare and recover and they must make that count.

If they lose on Tuesday night then it all goes down to the final day of the season. West Ham face a home game against in-form Leeds United, who beat Brighton on Sunday and have not lost a Premier League game since March 3. The Hammer have to win to stand any chance of staying up if Spurs lose both their remaining games, and will have the London Stadium crowd behind them, but their visitors will not be on their holidays just yet.

At the same time on Sunday Spurs host Everton, who can still mathematically just about sneak into eighth place and a Conference League spot unless Chelsea were to win in midweek which makes it even more unlikely. Tottenham have had their struggles at home this season but have improved under De Zerbi and should have won both games against Brighton and Leeds.

So the route is clear for Tottenham. One point will do it, three will guarantee it and no points gained will leave their fate left to what happens across the capital. After a wretched season, Spurs have one job to do and that is to give something back to their suffering fans. They have to deliver.

Tottenham have just two games remaining with Roberto De Zerbi wondering if he will get any of his injured players back before the season ends

Tottenham's injured players are running out of time to help Roberto De Zerbi keep the club in the Premier League with just the two games remaining this week.

De Zerbi at least managed to get James Maddison back in action this week when the 29-year-old made his return for his first 20 minutes of action since last summer when his anterior cruciate ligament fully ruptured, requiring surgery and a nine month absence from fixtures.

His new head coach De Zerbi has had no let up from Spurs ' injury problems as within his first week at the club he lost Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero and then watched on at Wolves as Xavi Simons suffered his own anterior cruciate ligament injury which has ruled him out of the World Cup and beyond.

The 46-year-old Tottenham boss will be hoping for no fresh injuries as he prepares his team to travel to Chelsea on Tuesday night and then welcome Everton in a week's time on Sunday.

Here's the latest on those eight players who have been in the Tottenham treatment room.

Dominic Solanke

Solanke has had a season to forget when it comes to injury after he lost most of the first half of the campaign with a persistent ankle problem and then suffered a hamstring issue during the win at Wolves last month before Xavi went off with his ACL injury.

The 28-year-old striker missed the victory at Aston Villa and De Zerbi gave football.london an update on the England striker ahead of the draw against Leeds.

"About Solanke, he's improving very quickly. I don't know, for this game, I don't know if he can be available," he said. "We hope for the next game in Stamford Bridge."

Solanke posted an image of himself in an Instagram story which many took as a suggestion that he is almost ready to return but he is yet to be spotted in the training images released by the club.

Return date: Potentially Chelsea and if not a final day return against Everton

Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario underwent hernia surgery in March on a problem that has dogged him for months and it looks like he is finally back in training.

Spurs announced in the days before the operation that it had been deliberately timed for the international break and the three week absence of fixtures in order to "have as minimal impact as possible". The club added that they hoped the Italian would be able to "return to action within the next month".

That was not the case though as only this week have the club released an image of the goalkeeper appearing to be back in training. The problem for him is that even though De Zerbi has maintained the Italian is the club's number one, Antonin Kinsky has been in fine form and Vicario will not be sharp.

Return date: Potentially for Chelsea but it would be a huge decision to start him

Cristian Romero

You might have spotted Cristian Romero during the Leeds game looking anything but injured. The Spurs captain has been watching games high up in the stands so he can stretch out his knee brace but there he was in the dugout and then out of it. That's because, now out of his knee brace, he could be seen on Monday night delightedly racing from his dugout seat and tackling set piece coach Andreas Georgson after Mathys Tel's goal.

The 28-year-old had been injured after being pushed into Spurs goalkeeper Kinsky by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey just over a month ago at the Stadium of Light in De Zerbi's first game in charge.

Argentinian media outlet Dario Cronica reported on Thursday that Romero made the decision to remain in England with the team as they fight relegation rather than travel back to his homeland, which has meant the Argentina FA instead sent a member of staff to London to aid his recovery ahead of this summer's World Cup in which he will once again be a crucial player for Lionel Scaloni.

The outlet reported that initially, Romero's plan was to travel to Buenos Aires, to the Lionel Messi Training Centre in Ezeiza, to complete his rehabilitation, but his desire to be around his Tottenham team-mates during their relegation fight meant that the Argentine medical team instead sent kinesiologist Luis Garcia to the English capital to complete the World Cup winner's rehabilitation process.

Romero included an image of himself working with Garcia in his latest Instagram post and the recovery timescale from his injury was estimated by the outlet to be between six and seven weeks. That would make a Spurs return unlikely with just those crunch games against Chelsea and Everton.

It would allow Romero though to be back in time for Argentina's friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 ahead of their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas.

Return date: Maybe too late for Spurs but not the World Cup

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Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski had hoped to be back playing in time for this summer's World Cup after his knee injury but we now know that will not be the case.

The Swede injured the patella in his knee back in May last year and after a couple of setbacks following his initial surgery, is yet to return to action for Spurs. At the end of last month he was spotted limping while in Spain meeting his international team-mates ahead of their World Cup play-off semi-final win against Ukraine and the 25-year-old revealed afterwards that he had undergone a small operation to clean out the knee.

Then exactly a year after his injury he found out from Sweden boss Graham Potter that he was not going to be given a spot in his World Cup squad with the hope that might play some part.

"I think we have to think about what is right for the team, that's important but also Dejan is in a place where he has had a long fight and he is making progress," said Potter at his press conference to announce the squad. "I think it's important now that this time he can really focus on getting himself ready for the start of the season. Dejan is at a stage where his rehab is so important and he has made some progress.

"I think the aim for him would be to start the next season with Tottenham, hit the ground running and to get back on the pitch and do the thing he loves. I think we have to be careful about that and ultimately that is the priority for him."

Potter added: "Once those games start, you're not in an area where you can do big 11 v 11 work, so it would be very, very difficult for him to get up to where we need him to be. Sometimes you have to take a decision of what does this look like. What is the impact for the player? What is the impact for the team?

"And it just felt in my stomach it was the right thing for us and for him, but of course now it's tough to see that, because he wants to be there and he wants to play, I understand.

"He is a professional person and he accepts it, of course but it is also very difficult as it is with all the guys. These things don't come along very often, it's a dream and you're ending a dream which is not a nice thing believe me."

Kulusevski's wife Eldina posted on Instagram on the same day, shared by the player: "For the past year I have been sitting in the front row. People see the damage. I've seen someone wake up every morning with a smile on their face, even though life has been moving in a circle of uncertainties and setbacks. A body that said no but a head that refused to give up.

"That exactly 365 days after the injury to receive the message that your World Cup dream will not come true this time, it hurts. If there's anything this year has shown me, it's that people with your heart never break through adversity, they build from them. You inspire us every day. Your time will come again."

De Zerbi shared text messages with Kulusevski after the win at Villa and the Italian is hopeful that the attacker will be with the squad to cheer them on against Everton next weekend.

Return date: Hopefully pre-season

Xavi Simons

Just as he was starting to sparkle under De Zerbi so Xavi became the club's fourth ACL injury victim in the past 16 months or so. You could throw in Rodrigo Bentancur if you wanted to add on a couple of years and a fifth player.

The Dutchman underwent his knee surgery this month and will now begin the long road back and as Maddison did, he looks set to document the steps along his journey to keep the Tottenham fans updated.

Xavi posted an image of himself after surgery on that right knee with the caption: "I went missin, on a mission just perfecting my craft. Intro done. Now we rise."

Return date: Early 2027 with the same nine month timeline

Mohammed Kudus

It all looked hopeful when Kudus returned to training in De Zerbi's first week after three months out with a serious quad tendon injury. Unfortunately he then suffered a setback that ended his season and left his World Cup hopes with Ghana in tatters.

"We can confirm that Mohammed Kudus has suffered a setback in his return from injury. The Ghana international forward suffered a significant quad injury during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland in January. He had returned to team training during the past week, however will now require further specialist review and, potentially, surgery. We will provide any relevant further updates in due course. We're all with you, Mo," read a statement from Spurs.

"I started not with too big luck!" said De Zerbi. "Yes, Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position, but we have to look forward anyway."

Reports have suggested surgery has been the decision for Kudus after a season that started so promisingly for him. The Ghanaian was in the dugout for the draw with Leeds to be around the squad.

Return date: Next season

Ben Davies

Davies underwent a second operation in January on the broken ankle he suffered in the Premier League defeat that month to West Ham United.

The 32-year-old Wales international was not involved in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was even linked with potentially taking on a coaching role if Spurs went for another interim head coach before they managed to convince De Zerbi to join the club.

With his contract coming to an end this summer it may be that we don't get to see Davies in a Tottenham shirt again unless he either heals quickly or pens a new deal.

He did travel though in a club tracksuit on Sunday with the squad to Villa, in a non-playing capacity, watching the warm-ups and going on the pitch with the team as they celebrated at the final whistle and was in the dugout again for the Leeds game.

Return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert

Odobert joined the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament crew after doing so in his left knee in February. He underwent surgery and is now working his way through the stages of his rehabilitation with the club's medical staff.

The Frenchman's time at Spurs has been fragmented by injuries and now the 21-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Maddison, Dragusin and Bentancur, and a little ahead of Xavi, in going through at least nine months or so out of the game.

He was among that group of injured Tottenham players watching the Leeds match beside the dugout on Monday night.

Rangers put Tottenham on notice over transfer as feelings made clear on move

Rangers boss Danny Rohl has made it clear that he would like to see Tottenham's Mikey Moore return to Ibrox for another loan spell. The youngster is heading back to Spurs after spending the 2025/26 season in Glasgow.

The 18-year-old netted seven goals and recorded four assists in 47 appearances for Rohl's side in his first taste of senior football, having come through the ranks in north London.

Moore grabbed an assist as Rangers thumped Falkirk 5-2 in their final game of the season on Saturday and Rohl spoke about the winger's future post-match, making it evident that would like him back. However, Rohl did express his desire for any potential move not to drag on into the summer.

There would be a desire for Roberto De Zerbi to take a look at Moore for himself given he was not Spurs head coach when the deal was sanctioned. Although Spurs are two points clear of the relegation zone with as many Premier League games left to play this season, there is also the consideration that Moore might be returning to a side in the Championship next season.

"I think we have to be patient, but also on the front foot with him," Rohl said after Rangers' season came to an end on Saturday. "We are clear, we will try everything. "Maybe, if there's a chance, and it makes sense to wait for him then of course, we will wait.

"But if you ask me, then I would have him straight in (for) pre-season. I prepare my team for a good start in the season. "Of course, it's important, you cannot allow to come so far from behind in a new season, we have to start really well, really strong. We have to work hard to get a great performance and a great start."

Rohl sees a bright future for Moore at Ibrox, but acknowledged that there are other things to consider such as Spurs' desires and what the player himself wants. "We are very clear as a club (with) what we want, there are still three parties, and we are just one of them," Rohl added.

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"Mikey, I think he fits really well here, I totally believe we can bring him to the next level as well. "He has his position, I think also the relationship with Tuur (Rommens) and Mikey next year could be a strong left side as well.

"But we have to do a lot of things right now, and this is our job to do."