Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has provided a mixed injury update ahead of his team's Premier League trip to Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Spurs are looking to enjoy back-to-back league wins after securing a 3-1 success over newly-promoted Coventry City on Monday night, when playmaker James Maddison opened the scoring on his first start in over 500 days.

Next up for the Lilywhites is a short journey across the capital to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea will be aiming to build on a hard-fought 2-0 win at Everton last weekend, with Portugal international Pedro Neto scoring both goals.

Tottenham have been plagued by injuries during De Zerbi's reign at the club, however, the return of Maddison to the starting XI was a real boost against Coventry, with the former Sky Blue netting an excellent long-range curler.

Spurs' first victory of the 2026-27 season in the Premier League at the seventh attempt lifted them out of the relegation zone on Monday night, with the North Londoners currently in 16th spot on six points after seven contests.

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De Zerbi provides Porro, Maddison, Udogie updates

Speaking to the gathered media in his pre-match press conference on Friday (October 23) ahead of the Chelsea trip, Tottenham head coach De Zerbi revealed that Spanish full-back Pedro Porro is ready to return to action.

The 2026 World Cup winner has missed the past two matches for the Lilywhites - the draw at Manchester United and the victory over Coventry - due to a hamstring problem picked up against Aston Villa on September 19.

However, there is not a full complement of options at the disposal of De Zerbi in defensive areas, though, as Italy international Destiny Udogie is set to be sidelined for back-to-back games because of a knee issue.

There is also less-than-ideal news on the fitness on Monday night goalscorer Maddison, with De Zerbi stating that: "In the first three days Maddison did not work with us. I do not know if he is ready for tomorrow."

Finishing on a positive note, both left-back Andy Robertson and attacker Omar Marmoush have recovered from injuries sustained against the Sky Blues, with the pair likely to start at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

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Tottenham possible changes vs. Chelsea

With the experienced Porro ready for selection, Jan Paul Van Hecke is likely to be displaced from the right-back slot, but it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman moves to the centre of defence or the bench.

Tosin Adarabioyo made his maiden Premier League start for Tottenham in the victory over Coventry, and De Zerbi may opt to keep the former Chelsea defender in the XI alongside the speedy Micky van de Ven.

Maddison's possible absence would force a change in Spurs' attacking strategy, with Mathys Tel or former Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher potentially entering the visiting side for a high-profile London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Pep Chavarria and Emmanuel Emegha remain unavailable for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues play host to one of their fierce rivals sitting in fourth position in the Premier League table.

Successive wins over Bournemouth and Everton have provided a welcome boost to Alonso after an inconsistent start to life at Stamford Bridge.

However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and captain Reece James joined the club's injury list last week, with Martinez not expected back until after the November international break and James sidelined until 2027.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Alonso acknowledged that Chavarria and Emegha also remain absent.

© Imago / Paul Terry / Sportimage

Alonso provides Chelsea injury update

When addressing the club's short-term injury situation, Alonso said that Chelsea "need to wait" on both the Spaniard and Dutchman.

The Spaniard told reporters: "Malo [Gusto] is fine. Pep is training a little bit more, but he is not going to make it."

On Emegha, he added: "He's feeling better, but we need to wait."

© Iconsport / Dennis Agyeman / AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire

Could Chavarria, Emegha return against Liverpool in EFL Cup?

Chelsea face a triple header against Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United in the space of a week.

Although Alonso has stressed the importance of going as deep in the EFL Cup as possible, it is plausible that Chavarria and Emegha may be earmarked for opportunities in the squad at Anfield on Wednesday.

With Man United to follow on Saturday lunchtime, Alonso is likely to drop a number of his star players to the substitutes' bench.

Chavarria has already racked up 478 minutes across eight matches in two competitions, highlighting that Alonso values his qualities down the left flank.

Tottenham Hotspur will be without at least six players for Saturday’s Premier League London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Rodrigo Bentancur is serving the second of a three-match suspension and is joined on the sidelines by injured quintet Mykhaylo Mudryk (ankle), Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall (all knee) and Savio (muscle).

Destiny Udogie (knee) missed Spurs’ 3-1 win over Coventry City on Monday, but he could be fit to return this weekend, while Pedro Porro (hamstring), Omar Marmoush, Tosin Adarabioyo (both calf) and Andrew Robertson (unspecified) will also have minor issues assessed ahead of kickoff.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi will weigh up whether to stick with a three-at-the-back system and match Chelsea’s formation. If so, Mickey van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi could be the centre-back trio to start.

Archie Gray began in his favoured midfield position last time out, but he could revert to a makeshift right-back role if De Zerbi switches to a four-man defence and if Porro is not fit to start.

Former Chelsea man Conor Gallagher will be hoping to force his way into the first XI and could link up with Sandro Tonali and James Maddison in centre-midfield, the latter of whom scored on his long-awaited return from injury against Coventry.

Dejan Kulusevski is also back after more than 500 days on the sidelines, but a start in attack is considered unlikely for the Swedish playmaker. Mohammed Kudus is more likely to get the nod on the right flank, while Marmoush or Mathys Tel could begin on the left.

Dominic Solanke, who like Gallagher began his career at Chelsea, has scored just one goal in seven Premier League games this term, but the striker is still expected to lead the line once again this weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gallagher, Tonali; Kudus, Maddison, Marmoush; Solanke

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to build on their first Premier League win of the season when they travel to Stamford Bridge for an intriguing London derby against Chelsea on Saturday evening.

These two teams most recently butted heads just over five months ago when the Blues claimed a 2-1 home victory at the end of last season, courtesy of goals from former midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos.

Match preview

Four wins, one draw and two defeats have been posted by Chelsea across their first seven Premier League games, with back-to-back, morale-boosting victories over Bournemouth and Everton helping them climb into the top four of the table.

A thumping 5-1 home win against Bournemouth was followed by a 2-0 away success over Everton last weekend. Pedro Neto scored twice against the Toffees, while Chelsea ended their unwanted 22-game run without a Premier League clean sheet.

The Blues delivered a ‘very professional and serious’ performance on Merseyside in Xabi Alonso’s view. The Spaniard is now keen for his team to build on their recent successes and string together three consecutive top-flight wins for the first time since February.

Only Brighton (23) and leaders Man City (19) have scored more Premier League goals this season than Chelsea (17), who enter Saturday’s contest with Spurs having only lost one of their last 16 top-flight London derbies at Stamford Bridge.

The West Londoners are on the brink of history as they are riding a six-game winning streak in the league against the Lilywhites. A win would eclipse their current record of six consecutive league victories over their rivals, a feat originally achieved between January 2000 and March 2002.

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All 20 Premier League teams have now celebrated at least one victory this season after Tottenham ended a miserable six-game winless start to the campaign by beating Coventry City 3-1 in North London, courtesy of goals from James Maddison, Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies.

This much-needed triumph for Roberto De Zerbi's side was just their fourth Premier League victory overall in 2026 (P27 D10 L13). Crucially, it also marked the first time in 36 top-flight matches that Spurs scored more than two goals – a massive relief for a side that narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Sitting 16th in the table but only three points behind the top nine, Spurs have only won back-to-back league games twice since the start of last season and history suggests that they will find it difficult to come out on top at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Indeed, Tottenham have won on just one of their last 36 visits to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era (D11 L24) and that was a 3-1 success in the 2017-18 season under Mauricio Pochettino.

Spurs have collected only two points from their last eight visits since then (D2 L6), while they have also lost each of their last six London derbies in the division; they have never lost seven in a row in their history.

Chelsea Premier League form:

Chelsea form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

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Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone surgery on a fractured jaw suffered in the win at Everton and he has now joined Reece James (knee), Jamie Gittens (ankle), Pep Chavarria and Emmanuel Emegha (both unspecified) in the treatment room. Meanwhile, Malo Gusto (illness) is a doubt.

In the absence of Martinez, 21-year-old Mike Penders is set to become Chelsea’s youngest-ever goalkeeper to start a Premier League match, with the 6ft 7in stop-stopper likely to have a three-man defence of Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill line up in front of him.

Cole Palmer has contributed to five goals in as many league games against Spurs (three goals, two assists), while Joao Pedro has netted three goals in three top-flight meetings with the Lilywhites. Both players are set to join Morgan Rogers in a fearsome front three.

As for Tottenham, Rodrigo Bentancur will serve the second of a three-match ban and remains out along with injured quintet Mykhaylo Mudryk (ankle), Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall (all knee) and Savio (muscle).

Destiny Udogie (knee) missed the win over Coventry and a late call is set to be made on his availability for Saturday. Pedro Porro (hamstring), Omar Marmoush, Tosin Adarabioyo (both calf) and Andrew Robertson (unspecified) are also minor doubts.

Former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher will be pushing for a recall and could play alongside Sandro Tonali and Maddison, while Dejan Kulusevski is back after more than 500 day on the sidelines. However, Mohammed Kudus is set to be preferred from the start on the right flank.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Pedro

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gallagher, Tonali; Kudus, Maddison, Marmoush; Solanke

We say: Chelsea 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Both teams will enter this Stamford Bridge battle in buoyant mood following victories last time out, but Chelsea must still be regarded as firm favourites given their historically dominant home record against their rivals.

Having scored at least two goals in seven of their last 10 meetings with Spurs, we are backing Alonso's free-scoring Blues to showcase their superior firepower once again and outscore the visitors en route to claiming maximum points.

Seemingly resurgent Chelsea welcome cross-town rivals Tottenham Hotspur to Stamford Bridge for Saturday's tea-time gameweek eight Premier League fixture.

The Blues have won back-to-back matches for the first time since August, most recently beating Everton 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium to end their four-year wait for an away win on the blue half of Merseyside.

Xabi Alonso's men now take on Tottenham Hotspur, fresh off claiming their first top-flight win of the campaign against Coventry City on Monday, with Roberto De Zerbi's men notching a 3-1 success over Frank Lampard's side to lift them out of the relegation zone into 16th.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their meeting with Spurs, who are 12 places behind them in the Premier League table.

Emiliano Martinez

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Face

Possible return date: Unknown

The Chelsea No. 1 suffered a fractured jaw after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite against Everton, and Martinez has since undergone surgery, likely keeping him out of action for several weeks.

Emmanuel Emegha

© Iconsport / Dennis Agyeman / AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Emegha has still not played in a competitive fixture for Chelsea since joining the club, and a reported muscle complaint kept him out of the Blues' trip to Everton last Saturday; it remains to be seen whether he returns for the visit of Spurs.

Reece James

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: January 3 (vs. Newcastle United)

James's condition was uncertain before Everton, but news of the Chelsea captain's knee surgery on the eve of the Londoners' trip to Merseyside ruled out any chance of a return. The versatile defender has now been ruled out until the New Year.

Jamie Gittens

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Alonso confirmed pre-Everton that Gittens's return is still weeks away, all but ruling out the wide attacker for the rest of October.

Malo Gusto

© Iconsport / Alexander Canillas/MB Media/Getty Images

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: October 24 (vs. Tottenham)

Gusto missed the Everton trip because of illness, but the right-back is in contention to return in some capacity for the visit of Spurs.

Pep Chavarria

© Imago / Paul Terry / Sportimage

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: Unknown

Chavarria missed the trip to Everton with an undisclosed issue, making him doubtful for the London derby against Spurs this weekend.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Chelsea have no players banned for their Premier League clash against Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur will continue their Premier League campaign with a clash against London rivals Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League table, picking up six points from their first seven matches, while Chelsea are fourth in the division on 13 points.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Mykhaylo Mudryk

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: November 7 (vs. Leeds United)

An ankle injury sustained in training is still sidelining Mudryk, with the attacker not expected to be back on the field until the early stages of November.

Xavi Simons

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Simons suffered a severe knee injury back in April, and the Netherlands international will not be available for selection until the early stages of 2027.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Odobert is another Tottenham player sidelined due to a serious knee injury, but the attacker is expected to be back on the pitch before the end of 2026.

Pedro Porro

© Iconsport / Harvey Murphy/News Images

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: October 24 (vs. Chelsea)

Porro has recently been sidelined due to a hamstring issue, but the Spain international could make his return to the squad against Chelsea.

Savio

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: Unknown

Savio is facing a period on the sidelines with a muscular problem, and he faces a battle to be back on the field before the end of November.

Lucas Bergvall

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: November 7 (vs. Leeds United)

Bergvall is currently sidelined for Tottenham due to a knee injury, with the midfielder not expected to be back until the clash with Leeds in November.

Destiny Udogie

© Imago / Visionhaus

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: October 24 (vs. Chelsea)

Tottenham need to make a late check on the fitness of Udogie, with the defender suffering a knee injury in the recent clash with Manchester United.

TOTTENHAM SUSPENSION LIST

Rodrigo Bentancur

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Possible return date: November 7 (vs. Leeds United)

Bentancur remains suspended for Tottenham following his red card in the team's 1-1 draw with Man United earlier this month.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a positive injury update from manager Roberto De Zerbi after three players appeared to suffer problems during their 3-1 win over Coventry City on Monday night.

Andy Robertson, Tosin Adarabioyo and Omar Marmoush were all substituted in the second half, raising concerns over their availability for upcoming fixtures.

However, the Italian has played down fears surrounding the trio, insisting that none of the issues appear to be serious.

What did Roberto De Zerbi say after beating Coventry?

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Tottenham secured their first league win of the season, moving up to 16th in the Premier League table thanks to goals from James Maddison, Marmoush and Ben Davies.

The victory also saw Maddison make his first competitive start since May 2025, while Dejan Kulusevski returned after 526 days out through injury.

However, the result was overshadowed by apparent fitness concerns for Robertson, Tosin and Marmoush, who all came off during the second half.

Robertson appeared to be struggling with a hamstring problem, Tosin required assessment after leaving the pitch, while Marmoush was seen clutching his right calf.

De Zerbi, though, was quick to ease concerns after the match.

“No, no, no, I think there are no injuries, nothing important,” the Spurs manager said, via the Evening Standard.

Tottenham were already without Destiny Udogie, who sustained a knee injury during their 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

De Zerbi also revealed that Conor Gallagher had only returned to training two days before the Coventry match, while Lucas Bergvall was injured and Mateus Fernandes had trained for only the final two days of the week.

Those midfield absences influenced Tottenham's tactical approach, with De Zerbi opting to use a back-three to limit Coventry's counter-attacking threat.

Welcome news for De Zerbi and Spurs

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With Tottenham already dealing with several fitness concerns, the prospect of losing three more players would have been a significant worry for De Zerbi.

However, the manager's comments suggest there is no immediate reason to expect Robertson, Tosin or Marmoush to face lengthy spells on the sidelines, although their condition will need to be monitored.

That is particularly encouraging given the demands of the upcoming schedule and the importance of building momentum after finally securing a league victory.

Robertson provides experience and defensive depth, Tosin offers another centre-back option, while Marmoush's attacking contribution could prove valuable as Spurs look to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.

There is little reason to overreact to the substitutions if De Zerbi's initial assessment proves accurate. Tottenham will hope the trio are available again soon, allowing the Italian to focus on improving results rather than dealing with another wave of injuries.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that the fans played a role in his decision to introduce Dejan Kulusevski in the latter stages of Monday's 3-1 win over Coventry City.

Prior to his return, the Swedish attacker had endured an injury nightmare since his previous Spurs appearances in a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in May 2025.

Kulusevski underwent surgery and suffered multiple setbacks in his long road to recovery from a serious knee injury.

After 526 days on the sidelines, Kulusevski was named among the substitutes for the home clash against newly-promoted Coventry.

De Zerbi explains fan inspiration behind Kulusevski sub

With Spurs leading 2-1, the Sweden international was introduced alongside Mathys Tel in an 87th-minute double change.

The Spurs faithful chanted his name and gave him a great reception as he made his way onto the pitch, before greeting his first touch as if their team had scored a goal.

With Kulusevski on the pitch, Tottenham went on to add to their tally through Ben Davies, wrapping up the club's first Premier League win of the season.

Speaking after the match, De Zerbi explained that the supporters were the main factor behind his decision to introduce Kulusevski when Tottenham's lead was a precarious one.

"I did it for the fans," De Zerbi told reporters. "We needed the support of the fans. They are fantastic.

"They suffer too much in the last two or three years."

© Imago / Mark Pain

Maddison marks first start in 18 months with a goal

Monday's win also represented a significant milestone in James Maddison's road back from his own injury nightmare.

Maddison marked his first competitive start since April 2025 with a stunning curling effort from just outside the box in the 14th minute.

Speaking after netting his first Premier League goal since February 2025, Maddison admitted he dreamt of producing strikes like that on his long way back from a serious knee injury.

"They are the ones you dream of," Maddison told Sky Sports. "Those dark days recovering from the ACL you dream of those moments and those goals. That is always the light at the end of the tunnel.

"That is why I felt really emotional and proud of Dejan Kulusevski today because I knew exactly that feeling he had stepping back onto the pitch after that amount of time out.

"Those moments and those goals they make it all worth it."

Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie missed Monday's 3-1 win over Coventry City with a knee injury.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi revealed in his pre-match press conference that Lucas Bergvall and Savio had been added to his injury list.

With no prior warning about an injury to Udogie, it caught fans by surprise when he was omitted from the Tottenham squad for Monday's home fixture.

De Zerbi soon explained Udogie's absence, revealing that he had picked up an injury in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

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De Zerbi reveals reason for Udogie absence

Speaking to Sky Sports, De Zerbi said: "Destiny Udogie played 70 minutes, and he suffered a problem in his knee, and we didn't take a risk."

De Zerbi's explanation ultimately points to Tottenham's willingness to adopt a cautious approach with a player who has been hampered by injuries in recent years.

Hamstring issues affected him at the end of the 2023-24 campaign and in the middle of the 2024-25 season.

The Italy international also struggled with knee and hamstring problems last season, which restricted him to just 20 Premier League appearances.

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Tottenham's left-back injury concerns

In Udogie's absence, Spurs ended the wait for their first league win of the season with a 3-1 success against Frank Lampard's side.

James Maddison, Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies all got on the scoresheet as Spurs moved off the bottom of the Premier League table and up to 16th spot.

Andy Robertson was among three Spurs players who appeared to pick up an injury in the long-awaited win.

The former Liverpool defender limped off with just over 20 minutes remaining and will now undergo assessment ahead of Saturday's London derby against Chelsea.

Spurs will hope Robertson's issue is nothing serious, especially with Udogie's availability in doubt.

Frank Lampard refused to criticise the officials after Coventry City suffered a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.

Spurs secured their first Premier League win of 2026-27 as James Maddison, Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies got on the scoresheet.

However, Coventry had been in the game at 1-1 courtesy of Jack Rudoni's close-range finish before Marmoush's 20-yard strike survived a VAR call.

The Egyptian star caught Milan van Ewijk with a stray elbow that felled the Dutchman prior to his long-range effort.

While Lampard and the Coventry backroom staff appeared furious with the decision of the officials and VAR at the time, the Englishman did not focus on the incident after the game.

Lampard reacts to Coventry's defeat to Spurs

Although Lampard claimed that the decision was "questionable", he instead prioritised speaking on another encouraging performance from the Sky Blues.

Lampard told BBC Sport: "Very pleased with the performance. We were in the game to say the least. Two outstanding goals for them, the second was questionable because the arm up in the face but quality finish.

"I am proud of the performance. 3-1 feels nasty at the end because of the last goal. We created some good moments. We wanted to start well as they start well in every game they have played here but haven't got what they deserved.

"The feeling and flow of the game we were brave and getting people up on their top line. Individuals were showing their quality with Rudoni and Thomas-Asante - eight of the boys played in the Championship last year and now they have shown they have grown.

"I don't like the fixture list game, they are all hard. Are we happy? We will always want more, we feel there's a couple more points we felt we could have had."

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What next for Coventry?

Despite recent victories over Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, Coventry are down in 17th position in the Premier League table.

Lampard's side now face two potentially-pivotal fixtures at home to Fulham and Sunderland, the teams sitting in 18th and 20th place respectively.