Football FanCast

A first win of 2026 was secured last weekend, although life at Tottenham Hotspur isn't getting any easier for new boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Left to pick up the pieces following Igor Tudor's disastrous interim reign, the Italian has creditably secured four points from his first three Premier League games in charge, albeit with the Lilywhites still languishing in the relegation zone.

The euphoria and relief of last week's 1-0 triumph at Molineux has also been somewhat tainted by the double blow of losing Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke to injury, the pair joining the ever-growing list of absentees at N17.

With Aston Villa next on the agenda, De Zerbi's already slim attacking options have been depleted even further, leaving the former Marseille boss with a real headache to solve on Sunday.

Latest Spurs team news for Aston Villa trip

Managerial changes and issues with regard to recruitment have played their part in Tottenham's rapid decline in recent seasons, but any club would likely have suffered from the raft of injury issues they have had to face over an extended period now.

Dejan Kulusevski, for instance, is still facing a fight to feature again this season, having not played at all since last May, while Mohammed Kudus also recently suffered a setback in his recovery, leaving the pair in danger of missing this summer's World Cup.

Cristian Romero is in a similar boat after limping off against Sunderland, while Wilson Odobert also remains a long-term absentee following his ACL blow earlier this year.

The aforementioned Simons cruelly suffered the same fate against bottom side Wolves, ruling him out for the foreseeable, while Solanke sustained a hamstring injury in the first half, ensuring he will miss the trip to Villa Park at the very least.

Speaking in Friday's press conference, De Zerbi also confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario is not yet ready to return, albeit while revealing that Destiny Udogie is "available", even if a starting role is not guaranteed.

So many issues then to contend with, although De Zerbi's primary concern will likely be just how his attacking unit will look in Solanke and Simons' absence.

De Zerbi could unleash the new Eriksen to replace Simons

In Solanke's case, Richarlison - who supplied the assist for Joao Palhinha last time out - provides an easy fix, with Simons likely to be replaced by Mathys Tel off the left.

That said, with Randal Kolo Muani again found wanting for the third game running, Tel might slot in on the right flank, leaving that left side in need of a solution.

Encouragingly, De Zerbi did hint that James Maddison could be in line for his first involvement of the season, having returned to the bench in each of the last two games.

"Very well. (Does he have chance to play vs Villa or Leeds?) I don't know, I would like to play with him, because he's a special player, he's a different player, but we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things. But I think he can be important in the next three games."

Patience might well be needed, considering Maddison hasn't taken to the field since the final days of Ange Postecoglou, although it might be a case of needs must, particularly after Simons' injury blow.

Maddison, more than anyone at Spurs, can provide that creative spark in the Dutchman's place, with something of a free role of the left likely to be well suited to him as he makes his way back to full fitness.

A number ten by trade, he has operated in a wide role previously, somewhat mirroring former Tottenham star Christian Eriksen as a versatile, classy operator in a variety of midfield and attacking berths.

Eriksen, at his best, was the club's chief creator under Mauricio Pochettino, making up for his lack of pace and power with his devastating passing prowess and vision.

Indeed, in his final full season at the club in 2018/19, he provided 12 assists and created ten 'big chances', all while averaging a stellar 2.1 key passes per game.

Maddison, when fit and firing, is certainly cut from a similar cloth, able to unlock the door with a moment of magic, be it as a deep-lying controller or as a more advanced playmaker on the edge of the opposition box.

In his first season at Spurs, for instance, the 28-year-old racked up nine assists, created 11 'big chances' and averaged 2.4 key passes per game, a remarkably similar record to Eriksen previously.

With Simons sidelined, De Zerbi will be crying out for a new creative spark, with Maddison - the modern-day Eriksen - seemingly the best bet to provide that.

Former Tottenham striker Louis Saha has shared the big mistake Spurs and Chelsea chiefs are making which cost Arsenal for a long time.

Tottenham face defining last four Premier League games after torrid season

Spurs' campaign has unravelled in a way few would have predicted at the start of the season.

What began with some optimism has turned into a run defined by major inconsistency, missed opportunities, managerial chops and growing pressure.

Results have dipped sharply since the turn of the year, performances have lacked any control, and the mood around the club has become increasingly toxic as the weeks have gone on.

Defensively, Spurs have looked vulnerable for long stretches, conceding goals at difficult moments and struggling to hold onto leads. In attack, there have been rare flashes of quality, but nowhere near enough to mask the wider issues.

Injuries to key stars definitely helped, yet the overall picture points to something deeper than just bad luck.

Instead of pushing towards the European places, the Lilywhites have spent the second half of 25/26 looking nervously over their shoulder.

The mere notion of a potential drop to the Championship for Roberto De Zerbi's side is something that would've once been deemed laughable for last season's Europa League champions, but they're staring it squarely in the face.

Sitting 18th, the prospect of a second tier is a very real possibility for one of the Premier League's supposed big six.

Striker Dominic Solanke was the latest star to return to the Tottenham treatment table, but De Zerbi could at least be boosted by James Maddison's imminent return.

Louis Saha shares ongoing Tottenham and Chelsea mistake which Arsenal made

Speaking to Get French Football News, former Premier League striker Saha has weighed in with his assessment.

Speaking about Tottenham’s situation, he suggested the problems may stem partly from decisions made away from the pitch, particularly in terms of recruitment.

The Frenchman also says that Chelsea and Spurs are making the same big mistake which Arsenal made for a long time - not signing proven, elite-level players.

"Sometimes it comes from the board and the type of signings made," Saha said.

"Strategically – it’s great to go out and sign super-talented youngsters but maybe you need to bring in players who have already established themselves as world class – it’s a similar issue that Arsenal were long criticised for – so you don’t find yourselves suffering from this lack of experience at key moments.

"We see it with Chelsea today. Chelsea have made, I don’t know, about 20 signings of talented young players, but there are key moments in a match or in a season where mistakes are made at great cost to the team.

"So if you’re doing that regularly, to the detriment of the results and players, then it might work commercially, but then you find yourself in a situation like Tottenham’s."

That argument feels relevant when looking at Tottenham’s campaign.

There have been repeated occasions where games have slipped away due to lapses in concentration or poor decision-making. In tight contests, those small moments often make the difference, and Spurs have too often come out on the wrong side.

A stronger core of experienced stars, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi now key targets for the summer, may well have prevented this.

There is still time to steady the situation and finish the season more strongly, but longer-term questions remain.

If the balance of the squad is not right, the same issues could continue to surface.

Tottenham clearly have talented players, but talent alone has not been enough this season.

As they look ahead, finding the right mix between youth and proven quality may be crucial to avoiding another difficult campaign like this one.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has lavished praise on a 'special' Spurs star who has done very well in training recently, backing him to play an important role in the relegation run-in.

Tottenham braced for Aston Villa trip in battle for survival

Spurs' fight for survival rolls on this weekend with a huge trip to Aston Villa, a game that could define how their season ends.

With only a few matches remaining and the gap to safety still tight, every point is vital for De Zerbi’s side.

Villa away is about as tough as it gets in the current run-in.

They are pushing at the top end of the table, while Spurs are battling at the other end, but De Zerbi has made it clear he does not see the fixture as unwinnable.

His message in recent days has been focused on belief, urging his players to ignore outside noise and concentrate on what they can control.

The challenge, though, is obvious.

Injuries have stretched the squad to its absolute limit, and key attacking options remain unavailable.

That has forced changes in both personnel and approach, with Tottenham needing others to step up in difficult circumstances.

One potential boost could come from James Maddison.

De Zerbi tips James Maddison for 'important' Tottenham role

The midfielder has been sidelined all season, but there are now signs he could still have a role to play before the campaign ends.

De Zerbi has been openly positive about Maddison’s influence, both on and off the pitch, and his latest comments suggest the door is not closed on a return.

Speaking ahead of the Villa clash, De Zerbi suggested that the England international is a candidate to play in the next three matches and finally make his long-awaited comeback since last summer's ACL injury.

"I don't know, I would like to play with him, because he's a special player, he's a different player," De Zerbi said.

"But we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things. But I think he can be important in the next three games."

The Spurs boss added that Maddison has done "very well' in training lately, with De Zerbi clearly optimistic that the playmaker could play a major role soon.

That statement offers a clear indication of intent.

Even if Maddison is not ready to start immediately, he could still be used in a controlled way — perhaps from the bench — to influence key moments.

The wider picture adds even more weight to his potential return.

With Tottenham short on creativity and dealing with multiple absentees, most notably Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, having a player like Maddison available — even in limited minutes — could change the dynamic of their attack.

His presence is not just technical either.

Maddison brings personality and leadership, something De Zerbi has consistently valued during this difficult period. In a squad dealing with pressure and setbacks, those qualities can be just as important as ability.

For now, the focus remains on Villa.

It is another tough test in what has been a demanding season, but also an opportunity.

And if Maddison is fit enough to feature, even briefly, he could yet have a say in how Tottenham’s season finishes.

Tottenham and Juventus have both submitted offers to Marcos Senesi, who is set to leave Bournemouth as a free agent this summer.

The Argentina international is out of contract this summer, with the Cherries set to lose him for free just 12 months on from selling both Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi.

Initial reports had suggested staying in the Premier League was his preferred choice, but the defender revealed this week that is not the case.

“I don’t have a league preference. Obviously, I like playing in the Premier League; I enjoy the competition, but I’m not ruling out playing in another league either. I told my agent to let me know when there’s something very clear and concrete.”

That could be a blow to Tottenham given the interest from abroad, with the Lilywhites hoping to upgrade their backline on the cheap this summer with free deals for both Senesi and Andy Robertson.

And now journalist Mirko Di Natale has revealed there are two offers on the table, one from Spurs and one from Serie A giants Juventus.

However, Juve's four-year contract has not reached the same salary as the North Londoners, seemingly putting Roberto De Zerbi's side still in the driver's seat.

Senesi was praised by BBC Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy earlier this season, who said: "His distribution from the back is phenomenal."

Now a 3-cap full international, his ability to play through the lines has seen him register five assists so far this season, and he now has the ball in his court to choose his next destination.

De Zerbi says Tottenham are good enough to stay up

De Zerbi has warned Tottenham’s relegation rivals not to count them out and promised there will be no crying at the club over more injury problems this season.

Spurs secured a first Premier League win in 16 matches at Wolves on Saturday, but it was quickly followed by Xavi Simons (knee) being ruled out for the majority of 2026 while Dominic Solanke is also out with a hamstring issue.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa, De Zerbi started his press conference with a four-minute monologue about silencing negativity and reiterated his belief 18th-placed Tottenham can stay up.

“I watched you. I watched you this week,” De Zerbi told a Sky Sports reporter.

“Listen, I want to be clear one time. The most important challenge now is to silence the voice inside of us, inside of the players, inside of the staff and inside of the fans. This voice can produce negative thoughts.

“The voice says, ‘we are unlucky, we have too many injuries, we lost Xavi Simons and he was the last two games one of the best players and most important players for us, our medical staff is not good enough and the pitch of the stadium is not good, the pitch of the training ground is not good, it is impossible to win two or three games in a row because we have not won too many games in 2026’. I think it is all negative things and it is rubbish.

“We go to play against one of the best teams in this moment in the Premier League. We have a big respect for Emery as a coach, but if Tottenham win in Villa Park, it is not a miracle.

“Maybe we lose, I don’t know, but we have the quality to win this game and it is not a miracle, so I think we have to be positive and to be lucky because we are working in a big club.

“I heard no, that it is impossible, we are crying everyone and we are relegated. But no, not yet. And we have to die on the pitch and to die on the pitch we have to lose the game.

“Before we lose the game we have to play, we have to fight and we have two points less than West Ham, but West Ham have to play difficult games as well like us.

“For that, OK it is not the best moment for us, it is a tough moment, a difficult moment, but the losers cry. The losers think negative. I don’t want people close to me crying or to think in a different way to me.

“We are good enough to win the games and we are good enough to stay up.”

We really are entering the final knockings of the 2025/26 campaign. For Tottenham Hotspur, the uncertainty is agonising,

Tottenham have one of the youngest squads in the Premier League this season - and not by design. They might have a rich youth system to be proud of, but so many of Spurs' senior stars

The Londoners are in a perilous position. Even by channelling their spirit and heart and togetherness for the final few weeks, they have been shorn of creativity, with Xavi Simons' ACL rupture putting a spanner in the works for De Zerbi and his system.

How Spurs will replace Xavi Simons

Football can be so cruel. When Simons curled home against Brighton, Tottenham finally looked to have broken through their malaise and paved a road toward safety, but it ended in a draw, and a week later, the Dutchman's fate would have been sealed.

The 22-year-old has hardly been perfect since joining Tottenham from RB Leipzig for £52m last summer, but he has shown flashes of brilliance, produced moments of creative quality.

With Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison still sidelined, De Zerbi is running out of options, and may need to turn toward the academy, with Tynan Thompson among those in line for a recall.

He's not a playmaker, but Rodrigo Bentancur's return to fitness has come at the perfect time. The pragmatic midfielder has impressed over the past couple of weeks, opening up passing lanes and providing a steady presence in the engine room.

But the Uruguayan is not Simons and cannot fill his boots; Spurs need someone else to step and and provide creativity for De Zerbi's side.

De Zerbi has already found Spurs' new Simons

Tottenham need a hero over the final few weeks of the season, and after several months of struggle, Conor Gallagher might just be clicking into gear at the perfect time under De Zerbi's wing.

Gallagher, 26, arrived in north London in January, finding himself swallowed up by Tottenham's relegation plight from the get-go. The Three Lions star's hardiness at Atletico Madrid has been maintained over the past several months, but his actual quality on the field has been negligible.

But that's starting to shift. Gallagher has made headway in recent weeks, more confident and crisp under De Zerbi's management.

He's still a wide margin away from his former level in the Premier League, but Gallagher has shown before that he can create with sharpness and consistency, and now that Bentancur is back, it might just come together for a Spurs system that is undoubtedly more polished than before.

Simons is the more natural playmaker, but even saying that, the young midfielder only created five big chances in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.3 key passes per game.

A key pass is a pass that directly leads to a shot at the opponent's goal.

With Palhinha and Bentancur forming a central pivot, Gallagher is free to operate higher up the field. This could bear dividends for a Spurs side in disrepair, searching for anything they can find that might help them fight their way to safety.

During his time at Chelsea, Gallagher was even called a "Poch-era Dele Alli" by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke. You'd be hard-pressed to find many Lilywhites supporters who would share that view now, but there's no question that Gallagher has improved since Igor Tudor's dismissal.

Could he be the man to turn things around for the struggling Londoners? With so many creative options ruled out over the final few weeks, it looks like Gallagher needs to step up.

Time. It's running out for Tottenham Hotspur, who finally found three points in the Premier League last weekend, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0.

But they are still in the relegation zone, still endangered after West Ham United found a win late on against Everton. Spurs have four games to save their season, and few fit players to help them do it.

Though rotten injury luck has tipped the scales in West Ham and Nottingham Forest and Leeds United's favour, Tottenham know that shambolic recruitment strategies devised over the past several years have pulled them into this perilous position.

Too many arrivals in recent years have flattered to deceive in a Tottenham shirt.

Spurs' worst recent signings

In January, Brennan Johnson left Tottenham and joined Crystal Palace. Before him, Heung-min Son departed, two years after Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich to consolidate his status as one of the greatest strikers of his generation.

All three forwards have topped Spurs' scoring charts in recent years, and it's hard to argue that any has been effectively replaced.

Dominic Solanke is injured once again, while Mohamed Kudus and Wilson Odobert are out for the long-term with respective muscular and knee injuries.

Xavi Simons will be lucky to feature again before 2027 comes around, the Dutch playmaker having ruptured his ACL during the win over Wolves. He had improved under De Zerbi, but the 22-year-old has still failed to provide creative sparkle for much of the campaign.

Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.

In fairness, Tottenham have struggled for some time to hit the right beats in the transfer window with consistency, with the likes of Steven Bergwijn, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso some more historical examples of the club's misfires.

And now, Frank might have overseen the signing of Spurs' new version of Bergwijn, who arrived with plenty of talent but failed to direct it in the Premier League.

Spurs' new Bergwijn has no future under De Zerbi

Bergwijn arrived at Tottenham on a five-and-a-half-year deal in January 2029, but he failed to carry over his emphatic form in the Bundesliga to the Premier League, more intense and more demanding.

The Netherlands international cost Daniel Levy co a pretty penny - £27m, to be exact - but he only scored eight times for the English outfit across 83 matches.

Now, Randal Kolo Muani is echoing the Dutchman's struggles. Kolo Muani is a loanee, but he had arrived under Thomas Frank's leadership last season with a weight of expectation, having found his feet out on loan with Juventus last season, unable to bring it all together for his employers, Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham's injury crisis means that the France international's playing time has increased over the past few months, even though De Zerbi's side are failing to see and rewards. He drifts through games, ineffective, very much the loan player who will not follow the outfit down into the Championship, should they indeed be relegated.

He has had a few moments for the Londoners, notably in the Champions League, but Kolo Muani has only scored once across Tottenham's entire league campaign, starting 18 times in total.

Kolo Muani was actually branded by journalist Kyle Freeguard as looking "lazy" during Spurs' Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in January, and in the Premier League this season, he has averaged only 0.7 dribbles per game, missing six big chances despite only scoring once.

Bergwijn was similarly reluctant to get stuck in. Way back in 2021, fans even branded the Netherlands winger as looking lazy in training, alongside Eric Dier.

Kolo Muani is only playing because of desperation. Tottenham have been shorn of their attacking depth, and while Kolo Muani will make up numbers over the final few weeks, the chances of him playing a role down N17 next season are non-existent, wherever it is that they end up.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said it was “crazy” that Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson avoided a red card in the Europa League semi-final first leg.

Forest seized the advantage after Chris Wood’s second-half penalty earned a 1-0 win at the City Ground, coming after VAR intervened to rule the ball had not gone out before Lucas Digne handled.

But Emery was fuming that the technology did not get used for Anderson’s first-half tackle on Ollie Watkins, which looked to have caught his England team-mate on the ankle with his studs.

“I watched the action of Anderson on Watkins, and the referee did a fantastic job,” Emery said. “I was so, so feeling comfortable with how he managed the game in 90 minutes, but after watching it again, it is the VAR responsibility.

“It is a huge mistake, a huge mistake. Ollie Watkins was close to breaking his ankle. The VAR has a huge responsibility and he must give us an explanation. It is crazy.

“The ref can’t watch it like me. One action like that can break his ankle. The VAR makes sense if they are fair. What is your opinion? Wow.

“In football I work 20 years as a coach, sometimes decisions are tight. I am 100 per cent with VAR, but we must manage it good and in the right way. One action like that, there is no doubt. Where is VAR?”

Had Forest been down to 10 men it might have been a different story as Vitor Pereira’s men put themselves 90 minutes away from a first European final since the glory days of Brian Clough.

It was an even contest in the late April sunshine, with both goalkeepers making fine saves to keep the score level.

The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Omari Hutchinson kept the ball in and Digne handled, with Wood dispatching the penalty in style.

Aston Villa eyeing move for Serie A midfielder

According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa are set to do battle with Tottenham for the signing of AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana.

A 25-cap France international, Fofana is expected to leave Milan this summer due to their own interest in Leon Goretzka.

Both Villa and Spurs have submitted offers to the 27 year-old's representatives, but Tottenham's is on the condition that they stay up, leaving Emery in the driver's seat to seal a deal.

Fofana has featured 29 times in Serie A this season, scoring twice and providing three assists, and has two years remaining on his contract.

Known for his physicality, defensive contributions and ball progression, he could be seen as a replacement for Amadou Onana if the Belgium star were to leave Villa Park.

Antonin Kinsky believes Tottenham are moving in the right direction under new boss Roberto De Zerbi and can avoid relegation.

Kinsky set to start vs Aston Villa

Back-up goalkeeper Kinsky played his part in a much-needed first Premier League win in 16 matches on Saturday with a superb stoppage-time save to deny Joao Gomes and clinch a vital 1-0 victory at Wolves.

Spurs’ survival hopes have been affected by an enormous injury crisis, with Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke the latest to join the treatment table. Kinsky, meanwhile, has earned a chance due to hernia surgery last month for first-choice Guglielmo Vicario.

It was an unexpected opportunity for Kinsky, especially coming a matter of weeks after a nightmare display at Atletico Madrid, but the 23-year-old has impressed with his composure on the ball and could retain his starting berth at Aston Villa on Sunday even if Vicario is available.

With the trust of De Zerbi, his team-mates and the backing of Spurs’ supporters, Kinsky is positive the club can overturn a two-point deficit to 17th-placed West Ham and avoid a first relegation since 1977.

“Yeah, the determination is huge. We feel that we want it, the fans want it, everyone is behind us and we will do everything we can,” Kinsky reflected.

“Of course we got ourselves into this situation which we don’t want to be but I believe we are doing the right things to get out and I believe we have the qualities to get out.

“For the (Gomes) save, I am happy for that because it was a good moment at the end of the game. Yeah, I just stayed calm and did what I am supposed to do."

De Zerbi was full of praise for the young shot-stopper after Wolves, saying: "He deserves this day, because he played very well.

"He was crucial for the result. He deserves everything because he's a good guy, he's a good keeper. Especially after Madrid, he deserves one day like today."

And now the manager will hand Kinsky the permanent role, with Vicario agreeing terms to leave the club whether they are relegated or not.

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, the more senior keeper has fully agreed all the terms and figures to replace Yann Sommer at Inter.

The only thing left is for the two clubs to agree a fee, which will be determined by whether Spurs can avoid relegation or not.

Once Vicario leaves, the number one spot will be Kinsky's for the taking, with De Zerbi's early admiration for the Czech star putting him in pole position.

Tottenham Hotspur are probably in a straight shootout with West Ham United, the relegation-threatened London rivals on either side of the dreaded dotted line with only four games left to play.

Supporters are anxiously waiting for the Lilywhites to play Champions League-chasing Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday. It will be a tough fixture, but Roberto De Zerbi's men have to push for the win after last week's narrow victory over relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers.

West Ham and Nottingham Forest also won, but Tottenham are making a bit of headway, even with so many injuries threatening to consume them and their season and their high-profile status in the Premier League.

Spurs' injury crisis

Tottenham haven't been good enough this season, but their injury crisis has also beggared belief, so many soldiers falling throughout the campaign, ruining a succession of managers' chances.

Even last season, under Ange Postecoglou, fitness problems ravaged Spurs' domestic term, with a Herculean effort out in the Europa League ending a long search for silverware.

Dominic Solanke is the latest to fall - again. The England striker suffered a Grade 2 muscular injury against Wolves and may not feature again this season.

In truth, though, the Londoners' crisis has been startlingly deep throughout the season, forcing youthful line-ups and an absence of coherence that is understandable if not acceptable.

So many problems, and only a smattering of games left to turn it all around. You'd think that Tottenham are running out of trump cards, but they do have one in the form of Gareth Bale who may yet lead them to safety.

Spurs' new Bale could lead them to safety

When you think of Bale, you think of a deadly and dynamic forward who rips defences to shreds, first for Tottenham and then for Real Madrid in Spain, retiring with his name among the pantheon of legendary modern forwards.

You don't think of Antonin Kinsky, Spurs' 23-year-old back-up goalkeeper in 2026.

The 23-year-old, who arrived from Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic last year, has emerged as one of Tottenham's most important players in recent weeks. Against Wolves, he was top. Guglielmo Vicario is out of sorts and injured, and Kinsky is thriving as he fights tooth and nail to protect the Lilywhites from relegation.

Yes, he could have crumbled after a disastrous display against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but Kinsky's mental fortitude and willingness to accept responsibility and make a difference for his side is something that many players would have failed to equip themselves with in the current situation.

This offers shades of when Bale arrived in London after a promising career beginning with Southampton, a left-back who came to be regarded as a jinx, for Tottenham never won when he started and injuries hampered his development.

That second spell wasn't so auspicious for the Welsh legend, but he still enjoyed prolific returns for his old outfit, before heading back to Madrid.

Kinsky's future is likely to go in a different direction, but he does now look like he's in a strong position to nail down a position at Spurs' No. 1, with Vicario well out of sorts and actually could be set for departure already, with Inter Milan having won the race for the 29-year-old goalkeeper, according to TEAMtalk.

However, he's now emerging as the main man in this struggling Tottenham team, and while the circumstances are different, with Bale driving a high-flying outfit before his record-breaking move to La Liga.

Kinsky isn't likely to start scoring bullet headers and rifled efforts from range any time soon, but he is emerging as an unlikely talismanic force after a tough start to his Tottenham career. It looked like he was "broken" under Tudor, according to journalist George Sessions, but Kinsky has bounced right back.

In that, he is emulating Bale, and if he helps his side fight off relegation, he could go on to become an icon for his club.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has been repeatedly slapped with the Spurs injury curse since his arrival in north London, and it has got worse.

Spurs injury crisis laid bare for De Zerbi

Spurs' fitness crisis shows zero sign of easing as the season heads into its final weeks, with several key players already ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Mohammed Kudus, Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons will all play no further part, leaving a stretched squad to navigate a crucial run-in.

The loss of those three alone would be enough to test any side.

Romero’s absence removes leadership and stability from the heart of defence, while Kudus’ dynamism and attacking threat have been sorely missed.

Simons, meanwhile, had quickly become an important creative outlet before his season was cut short due to an ACL injury, leaving a noticeable gap in midfield.

With so many senior figures unavailable, Tottenham have been forced into constant adjustments.

The lack of continuity has made it difficult to build momentum, and performances have reflected that inconsistency.

At a stage of the season where clarity and rhythm are vital, especially with relegation firmly on the cards, Spurs instead find themselves patching together line-ups and relying on squad depth that is being pushed to its limits.

Reports suggest De Zerbi is banking on James Maddison being fit for the last four Premier League games of the campaign to compensate for Simons.

Now, another potential blow has emerged.

Dominic Solanke is the latest player facing an uncertain outlook after picking up a hamstring injury against Wolves, and one that could now end his season.

The striker is understood to have suffered a grade-two issue, and there is increasing doubt over whether he will feature again before the campaign concludes.

The timing is particularly difficult for Tottenham.

Losing him for the rest of 25/26 would not just reduce goal threat, but also disrupt the overall balance of the side.

A grade-two hamstring injury typically requires a number of weeks to recover, making a return before the end of the season pretty hopeful at best.

Even in a best-case scenario, players often need careful management to avoid aggravating the problem, which further complicates any potential comeback.

A lot of pressure is now on the shoulders of Richarlison, who will likely lead the line for Spurs' most important games of the season.

For Tottenham, the growing injury list paints a worrying picture.

What started as a difficult spell has developed into a broader issue that continues to undermine progress. Each new setback limits tactical flexibility and reduces the margin for error.

The focus now shifts to how the team adapts.

Younger players may be given opportunities, while others could be asked to take on greater responsibility.

Tottenham are not just battling opponents, but also a relentless run of injuries that have been constantly reoccurring since Ange Postecoglou's final season in charge.

With Solanke now a serious doubt, the challenge has become even more demanding.