Football London

Hearts loanee James Wilson joined Tottenham on deadline day in the winter window, and a decision has now been made on his future

Tottenham are reportedly not set to go ahead with the permanent transfer of Hearts youngster James Wilson despite beating Arsenal to his services earlier this year. The Gunners had entered talks for the 19-year-old as was confirmed by Hearts boss Derek McInnes, but Wilson opted to join the Lilywhites instead.

An official statement from Hearts at the time read: "James Wilson has completed a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season. The terms of the loan move include an option to buy, for an undisclosed fee, on Spurs' part. Good luck at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, James!"

Spurs wrote: "We are delighted to announce the signing of James Wilson on loan from Heart of Midlothian for the remainder of the season, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer. Joining up with our Under-21s squad, the 18-year-old striker began his career at Hearts, progressing through their academy before making his professional debut in January, 2024, at the age of 16. To date, he has made 45 senior appearances for the Scottish Premiership side, scoring eight goals."

The deal included an undisclosed fee to make the move permanent, but Spurs will not be exercising it, according to Scottish outlet The Edinburgh News.

After being named in Spurs' matchday squad twice since arriving, Wilson failed to break into the first team and has instead been featuring for the Under‑21s.

He has made eight Premier League 2 appearances, scoring four goals and helping the side reach the semi‑finals of the play‑offs.

The forward, who made 41 appearances for Hearts last season and established himself as a regular starter with 11 goals and three assists, struggled for minutes this year - prompting his move to north London in search of more consistent game time but that hasn't materialised at senior level.

"I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it's been," McInnes admitted before Wilson's move to north London.

"I told him and his agent that our preference was to stay, fight for his place, be part of something but his head was turned with the Tottenham thing.

"I don't think it's the right move for him. Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that. But it was something James wanted to do."

Arsenal appeared favourites to land his signature at the time before their rivals stole a march. Just months after arriving in the capital, Wilson is now set to return to his parent club in Scotland, where he has one year remaining on his current deal.

Progressing through the Hearts academy, Wilson signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2023 and made his senior debut during the 2023/24 campaign.

Tottenham U21s are taking on Brighton in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-final on Friday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is the first time Wayne Burnett's U21 side have played at the stadium since they won the play-off final in the 2023/24 season. This time Spurs, unbeaten in the stadium, take on a strong Brighton side with both looking to book their place in the final.

Tottenham have plenty of up and coming starlets with attacking duo Mason Melia and James Wilson, on loan from Hearts, up front and Tynan Thompson has had a big season on the wing. Defender James Rowswell captains the side fresh from signing a new long-term contract with the north London club.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold is reporting on the game and you can find all of his updates from clash between the Lilywhites and the Seagulls at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium below.

Tottenham host Leeds in Premier League action on Monday evening as they seek to take another key step towards safety

Spurs have been handed a double boost after Daniel Farke ruled Leeds duo Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson out of Monday evening's game in north London.

Tottenham are looking to make it three straight wins in the Premier League as they bid to take another step towards safety.

The Whites are unbeaten in six top-flight matches and have not lost in the league since March 3 when they went down 1-0 at home to Sunderland.

They mathematically secured safety one week ago with a 3-1 win over Burnley but are still keen to build on recent momentum.

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But they will have to do that without in-form attacker Okafor and their Swedish left-back.

Farke said: "Gabi will be out for this week. Will assess him on a daily basis. Another one is Noah, who picked up a calf strain. He will miss the next two games and we hope he will be available for final day.

"Noah picked it up after FA Cup game[against Chelsea] but in the Burnley game he pulled it."

Farke also revealed there is doubt over the availability of Pascal Struijk, adding: "Pascal did not train today with a hip [problem], he got a hit."

Bulgarian midfielder Ilia Gruev's campaign is already over following a serious knee injury.

Refreshingly, Tottenham have no fresh injury issues in welcome news for Roberto De Zerbi.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is expected to return to Italy this summer, is not yet available following recent hernia surgery.

It means Antonin Kinsky will keep his place in going, though that was largely expected anyway due to the Czech's eye-catching form.

De Zerbi said on Thursday: “No, Vicario is not ready yet. I don't know what the plan will be, but he's suffering because he would like to help the team, to help his team-mates, but he's not available yet.”

Spurs now have just three matches left to play before the end of the season, including two at home. They have not won on home soil in the Premier League since December when they ran out 2-0 victors over Brentford.

They did however beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League knockout stages under Igor Tudor despite being eliminated on aggregate.

No team has claimed fewer Premier League points at home this season than the Europa League winners (11). Even basement boys Wolves have a better home record.

Luka Vuskovic has established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe while out on loan with Hamburg.

Eric Huwer has revealed that Hamburg would be more than happy to re-sign Luka Vuskovic. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has made an excellent impression on loan this season, helping the newly promoted German outfit stay in the Bundesliga.

Vuskovic, who the Lilywhites signed from Hajduk Split for just £12m in September 2023, has featured 26 times for the Rothosen this season, scoring five goals and keeping five clean sheets. Playing a key role in Merlin Polzin's side, he's helped Hamburg stay in the top-flight.

The Croatia international, who's recently recovered from a knee injury, has been recognised for his efforts, earning a place in the Bundesliga team of the season. football.london understands that the Lilywhites wish to reward Vuskovic with a bumper new contract.

Spurs are believed to be readying a deal as they look to fend off interest from Europe's biggest clubs and remind him that he will be a big part of their future. Despite this, Hamburg remains hopeful of keeping the 19-year-old, according to their board member in charge of finance and organisation.

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In an interview with German outlet Welt at the OMR digital trade fair, Huwer said: "If it were up to Luka, I think he would still like to experience the Hamburg atmosphere, the passion, and his development.

"But we're at best in the passenger seat. If the door opens even a crack, we'll be there. We always dream. But market realities are, of course, quite different. I think we can be very happy that we were able to accompany Luka with us for this one year."

Since joining Hamburg, Vuskovic has established himself as one of the most promising young players in Europe, earning praise from legends of the game, like Lothar Matthaus, Vincent Kompany, and Luka Modric.

Last month, Vuskovic, whose contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium doesn't expire until June 2030, provided an update on his future in an interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

On one day playing with his brother, Mario, who was given a four-year ban from football in November 2022 for a doping offence, the Lilywhites loanee said: "In football, you never know.

"It could happen next year, or in ten years. I don't want to promise anyone anything. But it's my biggest dream to be on the pitch with him here in Hamburg, or later in Split. After this season, I'll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030."

On why he decided to join Hamburg on loan in the first place, Vuskovic said: "The people here at the club have always stood behind my brother; they did everything they could. Everyone here, the fans, the coaches, the players, showed him so much love and respect.

"That's why I'm here. I wanted to give something back to this club and help them. Coming here was the easiest decision I've ever made. What happened to Mario has nothing to do with HSV."

Vuskovic has been wearing the 44 while on loan at Hamburg – Mario's number. He said: "I wanted his name to stay, even though he can't be here right now. But he'll be back on the pitch soon."

The Croatian added: "Mario will come back stronger than he left. For three and a half years, he's been training every day for about four or five hours. I don't know anyone with his kind of willpower.

"Mario trains every day as if he has a game against Real Madrid the next day. I think what unfortunately happened to him will help him in a way.

"Physically, he'll be more than ready when his suspension is over. And he's had the opportunity to work on his mental strength. I think not much will be able to stop him when he's back on the pitch."

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that one of their longest-serving staff will be departing the north London club this summer

Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham has praised the work of Andy Rogers after the club confirmed he will leave his role as managing director of the women's team this summer.

Rogers has worked for the north London club for 24 years in a range of roles, but will now be leaving to spend more time with his family. He took on the women’s team in February 2023 and helped lay the foundations for moments such as Spurs ' first ever Women’s FA Cup final appearance and record Women's Super League finish. The team are now flourishing under new head coach Martin Ho.

"Andy has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of our women’s team over the past three-and-a-half years," said Venkatesham. "His leadership, professionalism, and tireless commitment to the Club has helped shape strong foundations for our Women’s players and staff, both on and off the pitch.

"We have been building on these foundations with a renewed, more ambitious vision for Spurs Women set at the start of this season, and this work will continue to accelerate as we look forward.

"We are incredibly grateful for all on Andy's work during his time here. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future and will always be part of the Spurs family."

Rogers was previously head of global coaching for the club and was instrumental in overseeing development programmes for young players and coach education programmes both at home and abroad, developing a pathway from grassroots to elite football.

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"My time as managing director of the women’s team has been by far the most rewarding and inspiring – personally and professionally – of all my 24 years at this fantastic club. I have loved working with an incredible group of staff and players, both past and present, who have been my life for the past three-and-a-half years," he said.

"I am so proud of the incredible staffing group that we’ve constructed. The growth and progress we have shown is down to them and I sincerely believe we have created the foundations for them to continue to learn, develop and carry the ambition of the Club as high as I know it can reach.

"I want to especially thank Vinai and the Board for their support, vision, and backing, which has been a fundamental driver of this season’s clear progress. And to Martin Ho – although we have only worked together for a short time, the impact he has made across every area of the club through his passion, obsession and unwavering desire to win, has created an incredible environment for long-term success.

"Our aim was always to create the most successful Women’s football organisation, both on and off the pitch, through innovation, inspirational leadership, hard work and relentless ambition. I believe our staff and players demonstrate all of these values.

"I have immense pride in the work that has been carried out through both the good and challenging times. The support they have all provided to me is something I will never forget and I wish the club every success for the future."

Tottenham appointed Carlos Raphael 'Rafi' Moersen as director of football operations this year and the former City Football Group man will take on elements of the women's team as part of his wide remit. However, Moerson will not be Rogers' replacement with a replacement for most of his duties expected to be hired.

The former Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder believes one player holds the key to his old club remaining in the Premier League

Danny Murphy believes Roberto De Zerbi must risk playing James Maddison even at "60 or 70% fit" because he is Tottenham's hope of staying up.

Maddison has been back in full training for a while now following his long route back from his anterior cruciate ligament injury last summer and it is now nine months since that moment in pre-season in Seoul and the subsequent operation. Spurs have been understandably taking it cautiously with the midfielder, who had just come back from a medial ligament injury when his ACL went, and while he has been on the bench for the past three games under De Zerbi, he was never going to play a part.

football.london asked De Zerbi on Thursday if Maddison could play a part against Leeds on Monday night and get a few minutes at the end.

"I'm thinking about James Madison because I'm watching a top, top player. Maybe he's not ready yet to play, but as a physical condition, not for the rhythm, for the intensity of the game. We are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in terms of intensity and rhythm," said the Italian.

"But as a player, it's great, as a coach, watching one player like this. Especially for me, because I was number 10. And I'm sensitive in number 10 players like Xavi Simons, Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus. We have a lot of number 10s, but I want to see."

Former Spurs and Fulham midfielder Murphy believes it's crucial that Maddison plays now with the north London club fighting for their Premier League status and sitting just one point above the drop zone with three games to go.

"At the moment with Tottenham, it doesn’t feel as though they have got someone who's got that ability, and it's not when you haven't got the ball, because they're working hard enough. I think it's more when you've got the ball, being brave and having the ability to play free and try and make passes and play through balls and get on it when it's pressurised and the fans are whinging. Who's that person?

"I've seen him on the bench the last few games, and Maddison is the one. Maddison is the one who could save them because he is a super talent who plays free. He can be the one that fires the ammunition to the strikers, whoever it is, whether they play Kolo Muani up there, or Richarlison. The problem is whether he is fit enough. Like, if he's on the bench, he's got to be close, and it might be a case that now Xavi Simons is injured, whether he's 60, 70% fit, I'd be risking Madison, because he's their hope," Murphy told Betarades.gr.

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Murphy believes that lack of creativity is where Spurs fall short compared to their rivals down the bottom of the table.

"Some of Conor Gallagher's best traits are his athleticism, tenacity, and fight. Sarr is another midfielder, along with Palhinha. If you played against those three, they're going to work, they're going to fight, they're going to run, they're going to scrap. The problem they've got at the minute is creativity," said the BBC pundit.

"There's no Maddison, Kulusevski, Simons, Solanke, and the forward boys are looking low on confidence. Kolo Muani, who I like generally, is struggling while Odobert's injured. Tel isn't really hitting the heights they thought he would. There's not one who you can really pin and go, he's the man.

"At West Ham, you've got Bowen, and you know he's going to keep going and keep making chances. Summerville, you could throw into that. Forest, you've got Morgan Gibbs-White, and he's the man who makes stuff happen."

The Italian has been speaking about what he has been doing behind the scenes with the young Tottenham Hotspur midfielder

Roberto De Zerbi's desire to turn Archie Gray into a superstar means he will not follow his predecessors' lead in using the Tottenham youngster as a jack-of-all-trades.

The 20-year-old has not even been a Spurs player for two full seasons yet but has made 80 appearances for the club. He has done so though across a range of different positions. Injuries galore at the north London club have ensured that Gray, naturally a central midfielder, has been deployed as a right-back, left-back, wing-back and as a centre-back as well as in the centre of the pitch.

Even in midfield he has played as a six, an eight and a couple of times as a 10 within matches. The result has been plenty of minutes and exposure to Premier League, Champions League and Europa League football, but also a lack of development in the central position in which many have tipped him to become a star.

However, De Zerbi has made a clear decision to use Gray as a midfielder, even if that has meant him taking a back seat for now as more experienced heads get a run in the team. He started against Brighton, came off the bench against Fulham but has been unused as a substitute in the past two wins at Wolves and Aston Villa as Joao Palhinha has taken his chance to impress in the midfield for the new head coach.

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Gray should not fear though as De Zerbi has very high hopes for the midfielder and made it clear that he has been holding individual meetings with the former Leeds youngster at the club's Hotspur Way training complex to ensure that he makes it to the very top.

"He is very young, but big potential as a player," he said. "I think he can become the future. I am sure he can become the future of this club, the captain of this club and he has to understand better what will be his position on the pitch. "He can play in a lot of positions, but maybe I would like him to be more specific in one position. We are working on that, in individual meetings with individual clips for me and anyway he is an important player."

So while Gray may be frustrated right now after a season which has brought 34 appearances, two goals and three assists so far, the young midfielder is set to be a big part of De Zerbi's plans going forward rather than simply a Swiss Army Knife for the north London club.

Tottenham have only three matches remaining and Roberto De Zerbi is waiting to see if he will get any of his injured players back before the season ends

Roberto De Zerbi has three games to keep Tottenham in the Premier League and he will be hoping to have some of his injured players back to help.

De Zerbi has quickly discovered just how extreme Spurs' injury problems are. He lost two crucial players within his first week at the club in Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero and then soon after had Xavi Simons suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury which has ruled him out of the World Cup and the rest of this year.

The 46-year-old Tottenham boss will be hoping for some change on the injury front, or at least no more injuries, and some of those who he has lost to come back before the end of the season.

On Thursday, De Zerbi at least reported no fresh injuries after the win at Villa Park, saying: "No. I'm happy because we are working well with all players. Another very important week. We have no problems."

Here's the latest on those nine players in the Tottenham treatment room ahead of Monday night's match against Leeds United.

Dominic Solanke

The 28-year-old striker has had a season ravaged by injury with that ankle problem in the first half of the campaign and then he suffered a hamstring injury during the win at Wolves last month.

Solanke missed the victory at Aston Villa and De Zerbi gave football.london an update on the England striker on Thursday.

"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."

Return date: Potentially Leeds but maybe more likely Spurs' game at Chelsea on May 19

James Maddison

Maddison has been back in full training for a while after his long battle back from his anterior cruciate ligament injury and it is now nine months since the injury suffered in pre-season in Seoul.

Spurs have understandably been taking it cautiously with the midfielder and while he has been on the bench for the past three games under De Zerbi, he was never going to play a part. Maddison has been stepping up his warming up during matches but it has always been in white sport socks rather than match socks.

football.london asked De Zerbi on Thursday if Maddison could play a part against Leeds and get a few minutes at the end.

"I'm thinking about James Madison because I'm watching a top, top player. Maybe he's not ready yet to play, but as a physical condition, not for the rhythm, for the intensity of the game. We are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in terms of intensity and rhythm," he said.

"But as a player, it's great, as a coach, watching one player like this. Especially for me, because I was number 10. And I'm sensitive in number 10 players like Xavi Simons, Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus. We have a lot of number 10s, but I want to see."

Return date: Perhaps a couple of minutes at the end against Leeds on Monday night

Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario underwent hernia surgery in March on a problem that has dogged him for months.

Spurs announced in the days before that the operation had been deliberately timed for the international break and the club's 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 has not been the case though as the goalkeeper is yet to return to training and De Zerbi provided an update on his compatriot on Thursday afternoon.

"No, Vicario is not ready yet. I don't know what will be the plan but he's suffering because he would like to help his teammates but he's not available yet," he stated.

Return date: Time is running out on this season

Xavi Simons

Just as he was flourishing under De Zerbi so Tottenham's injury hell grabbed Xavi during the win at Wolves with the club's fourth ACL injury in the past 16 months or so.

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

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 if we're sticking with the nine month timeline

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Cristian Romero

Romero's season with Tottenham was done with that knee injury suffered at Sunderland after Brian Brobbey pushed him into Antonin Kinsky and escaped a red card the Premier League's Key Match Incident panel later said he should have had.

No surgery was required but the skipper is not expected back before the end of this month due to the injury in his medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The Spurs captain could yet be back for the World Cup, but that of course will be of little cheer to Tottenham in their relegation battle.

Argentina assistant head coach Roberto Ayala last month told Cuadro Técnico, a television show on Fox Sports: "This morning we found out the results of Cuti’s MRI. Thank God that there’s nothing else wrong with his knee. Now they’re going to immobilise it and will likely give him platelet-rich plasma treatment, which is what’s being used now. We’ll see what happens after that."

Return date: Too late for Tottenham but maybe not the World Cup

Mohammed Kudus

Kudus returned to training in De Zerbi's first week after three months out with a serious quad tendon injury only to suffer 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."

It is yet to be stated whether Kudus will end up having surgery or not and as the club normally announce surgeries, it would suggest he has not yet, perhaps with a hope still of making the World Cup.

Return date: Not for Spurs this season anyway

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski stated that he expects to be back playing in time for this summer's World Cup after his knee injury.

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.

The 25-year-old Tottenham midfielder revealed afterwards that he had undergone a small operation to clean out the knee and that was why he was limping but that the knee was "feeling great now" in a message on Instagram.

"I understand that people were worried, but it was really for the wrong reason. It was really positive that I did this little procedure and that we were able to find the problem. Now everything should be solved," he told Swedish media outlet Viaplay. "Now it's just a matter of slowly and surely coming back. I can see the light. It feels better now. I really have a positive feeling about these two important matches [for Sweden] and a World Cup in two or three months. This is how the book and the chapter will end. I am convinced of that."

When asked if he sees himself playing at the World Cup for Sweden this summer, Kulusevski said: "One hundred percent. Yes. That (the World Cup) is the driving force I have. To have that opportunity is absolutely fantastic. It's a challenge that I haven't been able to overcome so far in terms of getting healthy, but it's not over yet. Now the second game starts."

Return date: Time is running out for a Spurs return

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 he was linked with potentially taking on a coaching role if Spurs went for another interim head coach before they managed to convince De Zerbi.

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. That might mean that Davies is nearing a return or it might just mean he wanted to involved in the squad feeling again.

Return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert

Odobert suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament 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.

Tottenham host Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday as they look to move further away from the relegation zone

Tottenham Hotspur have been hit with more than their fair share of injury worries over this season, with Roberto De Zerbi providing the latest update on his squad during a press conference on Thursday.

Spurs will be looking to take another big step toward Premier League safety this weekend when they host Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. De Zerbi’s side go into the game looking to make it three wins in a row in the Premier League.

Spurs took advantage of West Ham’s slip-up against Brentford last weekend by recording a 2-1 away win over Aston Villa. First-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison earned their side a huge three points and moved them one point clear of 18th-placed Hammers.

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De Zerbi was, however, given an injury worry with Richarlison, limping off the Villa Park pitch. With that in mind, here’s the latest from the Tottenham treatment room ahead of the clash against Leeds.

Richarlison

Injury: Unknown.

The forward limped off during the win over Aston Villa last weekend, with reports that he didn’t take part in training on Wednesday ahead of the clash against Leeds on Monday night.

What has been said : “No,” De Zerbi said when asked if there were any fresh injuries . “I'm happy because we are working well with all players. Another very important week. We have no problems.”

Potential return date : Vs Leeds (H), Mon 11 May.

Dominic Solanke

Injury: Hamstring

The striker picked up the injury during the win over Wolves, causing him to miss last weekend’s clash against Aston Villa.

What has been said : “He's improving quickly, I don't know for this game, we hope for the next game at Stamford Bridge."

Potential return date : Vs Chelsea (A), Tues 19 May.

Guglielmo Vicario

Injury: Hernia surgery

The goalkeeper has been out since the March international break after undergoing surgery on a hernia and he might have played his final game for Spurs with Inter Milan keen on a move for the Italian.

What has been said: “He's not ready yet. I don't know the plan... he's suffering because he would like to help his team-mates, but he's not available yet."

Potential return date: Unknown.

Xavi Simons

Injury: Knee

The midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture during the win over Wolves and faces an extended time on the sidelines.

What has been said: “We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee,” the club said. “The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of our Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

“Xavi will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, following that, will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.”

Potential return date: 2027.

Cristian Romero

Injury: Knee.

The club captain suffered a knee injury during the 1-0 defeat against Sunderland last month. He will miss the remainder of the season, but could make a return in time for the World Cup.

What has been said: “I hope. I don’t know if there is a chance to play one [World Cup] game, two games, I don’t know. I hope so. But I don’t know.”

Potential return date: World Cup.

Mohammed Kudus

Injury: Quad

The forward had a setback in his recovery from injury when returning to training last month.

What has been said : “He had returned to team training during the past week,” the club said. “However, he will now require further specialist review and, potentially, surgery. We will provide any relevant further updates in due course.”

Potential return date: Unknown.

Wilson Odobert

Injury: Knee

The winger suffered a ruptured ACL back in February.

What has been said : “We can confirm that Wilson Odobert has sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee,” the club said at the time. “Wilson will see a specialist next week before undergoing surgery, and will then commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff.”

Potential return date: November.

Dejan Kulusevski

Injury : Knee

What has been said: “I'm sorry for him because he was one of my perfect players. He is a very specific player for me, like Kudus, like Romero. I hope for him that he can play in the World Cup because for a player [it] is the best period of their career. I don't know the situation very well.”

Potential return date: Unknown.

Ben Davies

Injury: Ankle.

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur boss said during his press conference ahead of the Premier League match against Leeds United

Roberto De Zerbi had various bits of positive news at his press conference on Thursday afternoon ahead of Tottenham's Premier League game against Leeds on Monday night.

Spurs are hoping to keep their momentum going under the new man in charge as they welcome Daniel Farke's side. The north London club won back-to-back matches in the Premier League for the first time since the opening weeks of the season with their victories at Wolves and West Ham.

De Zerbi must get his side to win a Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since early December last year against Brentford.

At his press conference, the head coach delivered injury updates on Dominic Solanke and Guglielmo Vicario, as well as discussing whether James Maddison is now ready to play some football after three matches as an unused substitute.

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

Any injury updates?

No. I'm happy because we are working well with all players. Another very important week. We have no problems.

Is Guglielmo Vicario ready to play yet?

No, Vicario is not ready yet. I don't know what will be the plan but he's suffering because he would like to help his teammates but he's not available yet.

Would Joao Palhinha be someone you'd like to keep for the next season?

How confident are you that on Monday you can achieve three in a row against Leeds and how important is it to have the fans on board?

First of all, we're going to play against one of the best teams in this moment because in the last five, six games they won against Man United. They drew in Bournemouth, playing well. They won at home two times, Wolves and Burnley. For that, we have a big respect. We can't think in a different way. We have to keep this mentality.

We must remain humble. Nothing changes. We have to prepare an important game. The same way we are playing. We didn't play so well in Wolves, but in the first 30 minutes, we played okay. Against Brighton at home, we played 90 minutes and extra time very well. We have to stay focused on this type of performance. This type of attitude. This type of spirit and showing the quality of the players.

With Conor Gallagher, how pleased are you with his goal against Villa as well as his performance and his leadership?

I'm happy because I think from the perspective of Conor, he came in January in a difficult situation. He had some problems at the beginning, his physical condition, his environment. To understand the different club, different style of play, different dressing room. But he's an important player, the first level of the players.

So I'm happy to watch him in this condition, in this confidence, with these performances. I think, and I said after the game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent.

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You mentioned Leeds United, how impressed and how surprised have you been with them?

Their style is very clear. They have a great organisation on the pitch, with the ball and without the ball. They have good players, Calvin-Lewin, Okafor, Tanaka, I think, and Ampadu are all very good players. Not to fight against relegation, but higher level. But the focus is on us. Not because we become arrogant, but because we have the quality. The quality is enough if we play like we know, like we can, to win the game, for sure.

It was fascinating to watch your system against Villa, how Palhinha dropped into a back three, Porro would bomb on, Udogie was running through like a striker at times, is that something we're going to see every week from you with such a fluid system or was it just for Villa?

I would like to change, it depends on the different games, because the principles in football are very important. The mental part is crucial, but also the strategy can be very important.

But we will change something in the occupation of the spaces, for sure. But I wouldn't like to give too many ideas, too many instructions. Especially in this moment, because I don't want the players to lose energy thinking what is the plan.

No, I want the players to play with freedom, play with confidence, following the plan. Because football is 11 players together and not like tennis or golf, one player. But anyway, the simple things, the clear things, I think are enough.

Just quickly on two players, can we have an update on Dominic Solanke, and James Maddison, is he ready to play any minutes yet?

I'm thinking about James Madison because I'm watching a top, top player. Maybe he's not ready yet to play, but as a physical condition, not for the rhythm, for the intensity of the game. We are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in terms of intensity and rhythm.

But as a player, it's great, as a coach, watching one player like this. Especially for me, because I was number 10. And I'm sensitive in number 10 players like Xavi Simons, Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus. We have a lot of number 10, but I want to see.

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

Talking of Stamford Bridge, you were at the Chelsea-Forest game, I just wondered what you took away from that match, what you thought about it?

Yes, because at home and it was a day off. I don’t like a day off so I found the way to stay focused on football.

A lot of the reaction in the media to Tottenham’s win at Aston Villa focused on Aston Villa’s changes and they were called a disgrace...

Yes, but for Nottingham Forest no? Nottingham Forest, the first XI was maybe more changes than Aston Villa did, no? And first half 2-0 for Nottingham Forest and (has) anyone said nothing? No. I think Aston Villa have cash, Lindelof, I don’t know how many years at Manchester United, Mings, the captain of Villa, Maatsen, one of the best left-backs in Europe, regarding Tielemans, Tielemans is normally in the starting XI, Rogers, Sancho, Barkley and Abraham as a forward and striker, I think was a great first XI. I don’t know if they are better or worse. I can say one thing we played without Romero, Kulusevski, Kudus, Solanke, Xavi Simons, Maddison and maybe more players than Villa. And it is better if the people speak about us than we speak about them.

Has it surprised you or have you quickly learned this thing does happen with Tottenham?

No, no, in Italy we are used to thinking in the bad way about this situation, but it is not true. It is not true.

Archie Gray you described before as the future of Tottenham, he has not had many minutes but what do you like about Archie and how important is he long-term?

He is very young, (but) big potential as a player. I think he can become the future. I am sure he can become the future of this club, the captain of this club and he has to understand better what will be his position on the pitch. He can play in a lot of positions, but maybe I would like him to be more specific in one position. We are working on that, in individual meetings with individual clips for me and any way he is an important player. Palhinha did not play the first three games and the fourth was one of the best players on the pitch.