Tottenham Hotspur

SPURSPLAY

The playmaker and one of our vice-captains is on his way back having been sidelined all season after picking up a serious knee injury during pre-season.

‘Madders’ was on the bench in last weekend’s draw against Brighton – handing fans a huge boost when the teams were read out inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The England international will be there again at Molineux – whether or not he features.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way on Friday, Roberto was asked about Madders’ return last week and if he was available to play some minutes.

Roberto responded: “No, he's not available yet. Especially this week, he felt pain, but not a so important problem. Tomorrow he will come with us on the bench because it's important if he plays or not. It doesn't matter. It's better if he plays, for sure, but also as a guy, as a leader, as a positive guy inside of my dressing room. I want to see nice people and positive people and it's important also for his team-mates.”

The full-back picked up a muscular injury in last weekend's draw against Brighton.

It's the only additional injury concern for Roberto De Zerbi building up another crucial fixture.

Pape Matar Sarr remains out after missing the Brighton game with a shoulder issue. Guglielmo Vicario is closing in on a return to full training after a hernia repair.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way on Friday, Roberto said: "Destiny has a problems and can't play tomorrow. I'm sorry, because he played a great first half, second half as well, but the first one was great.

"We have Djed Spence, Souza is also available to come with us, so it's not a big problem. I hope Destiny will be available next week at Villa Park.

"It's a muscular injury, not so important. He didn't play for a long time and it can happen at the beginning when you feel something of this problem.

"I have a big opinion about Destiny - he's a crucial player for us. We are lucky because we can play Djed Spence, another important player who has played very well this season, another very good guy.

"Pape felt a pain in his shoulder an d didn't train with the group this week. He's not available."

Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mo Kudus and Cristian Romero remain sidelined.

The defender was devastated after he was robbed of possession in the build up to Brighton snatching a late, late equaliser at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Unfortunately, worse was to follow after the game, as Kevin suffered significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media – as described in our statement on Sunday.

Kevin responded immediately himself and has been overwhelmed by messages of support from our fans and the wider football community.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of another crunch game against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday (3pm UK), Kevin was asked about the impact the abuse had on him.

“It doesn't define me,” he said. “It's upsetting to see. People have the right to be upset, I was upset. I don't think racism of any form or discrimination of any form has a place in football or in the world. So, I think to have some people revert to being racist. I think it's unacceptable and it shouldn't happen.

“I've had support from various places, and I'd just like to say thank you. I've also seen the positive comments. That's what it's about, football, about positivity, putting smiles on people's faces. I think when stuff like that happens, it's also important to talk about the positivity and the support I got from the fans and club.”

The Club is taking a visible stand this weekend.

Our players will come together in solidarity ahead of our fixture at Wolves, wearing t-shirts that display a very clear message during the warm-up – Spurs Against Racism.

We want to make it clear to the world that if anyone thinks it’s ok to racially abuse our players on social media, we will take the strongest possible action and we have a track record that backs this up.

Meanwhile, moving onto the clash at Molineux, and the need for points in our current situation, Kevin added: “The Premier League is a tough league and every game is tough, but we're very aware of the situation. Everybody is giving that bit more to turn the situation around. That's exactly what we have to do - hopefully we'll start on Saturday.”

Players will come together in solidarity ahead of our fixture at Wolves, wearing t-shirts that display a very clear message during the warm-up – Spurs Against Racism.

We want to make it clear to the world that if anyone thinks it’s okay to racially abuse our players, we will take the strongest possible action and we have a track record that backs this up.

What we do

We work with specialist third parties and adopt sophisticated tools dedicated to protecting our players, staff and wider members of our Spurs family from the scourge of online abuse:

• B5 Consultancy provides player education, advice and assistance in investigating and taking action in relation to online hate, helping us to identify individuals.

• Respondology provides full comment moderation across the Club’s official social media channels (with the exception of X, which does not permit use of the tool), automatically removing hateful and abusive responses on Club posts to protect the fan experience.

• Signify Group employs it’s Threat Matrix service, a specialist AI-led monitoring system backed by expert analysts who monitor online abuse across the wider social media ecosystem 24/7. They detect abuse targeting our players and staff as it happens, investigate the most egregious accounts and identify perpetrators.

Findings are fed back through the Club’s legal, security and supporter engagement teams, who are able to cross-check identified perpetrators against our database. We have taken a leading role in developing a league-wide Data Sharing Agreement, allowing fellow clubs to take action against individuals we have identified with a known football allegiance.

Any Club sanction will then be determined in line with our own Sanctions & Banning Policy. We will involve the UK Football Policing Unit where comments have crossed a criminal threshold and work with the Premier League to assist us in pursuing cases in international territories outside of our jurisdiction.

Results

Over recent seasons, we have successfully secured criminal convictions following abuse of our staff and players, including individuals based overseas, and have also issued indefinite Club bans. In all instances, we will liaise closely with the targeted person to understand what action they are comfortable with being taken.

Using the League-wide data sharing agreement, we have shared information with other Premier League clubs promptly which has enabled those clubs to take action against its supporters (which has included criminal convictions and indefinite Club bans).

• Working with the Premier League we achieved a criminal conviction in Germany for racist abuse against one of our players.

• We worked with the police to achieve resolutions with teenage boys who have abused our players on Instagram, liaising closely with their schools and parents to obtain apologies and deliver education.

• We have tracked down further individuals in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Philippines and Brazil, using local lawyers to obtain written apologies.

• As widely reported, back in 2023, we worked with the Met Police to appeal against an initial ruling to secure a three-year football banning order against an opposition fan found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence against Heung-Min Son during a match at our stadium.

In relation to the sickening abuse suffered by Kevin Danso last weekend, we have reported all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the countries where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms.

We have already had posts removed, social media accounts suspended and, in some cases, have requested that the platforms permanently remove accounts. We have IDs of perpetrators and are cross-checking the Club’s database, as well as liaising with other clubs where an allegiance is identified. We are taking legal advice to determine where it may be necessary to pursue banning orders and, where applicable, criminal prosecutions.

Kevin, meanwhile, continues to receive the Club’s complete and unconditional support, and has bravely taken the step to speak out publicly this week about his experience.

The wider problem

It is 2026 – yet we are still having these conversations.

In just the past five years, the Premier League has investigated more than 4,000 cases of racist abuse, with legal action brought against abusers across three continents.

Kick It Out’s latest reported data from the 2024/25 season revealed the charity received 1,398 reports of discrimination, marking a continued rise from the previous season (1,332) and the highest figure it has ever recorded. This represents more than double the number of reports received just four seasons ago.

The data, gathered from reports across the professional game, grassroots football, and online spaces, shows rising levels of abuse in several key areas, including sexism, transphobia, ableism, and faith-based abuse, alongside persistently high levels of racism, which remains the most reported form of discrimination.

We commend the work being done across the game to tackle the scourge of discrimination, while recognising there is so much more that needs to be done. We again call on X, Instagram and all social platforms to act quickly and decisively when racist abuse is reported. We also encourage anyone who sees abuse to report it directly to us at report@tottenhamhotspur.com so we can take the strongest possible action in line with the steps outlined above.

We will not stop – we will continue to take a stand and demonstrate unwavering support for our players in the face of unacceptable discrimination.

There is no place for racism at Tottenham Hotspur. There is no place for racism in football.

After 314 days on the sidelines with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury – that she suffered on international duty with England senior squad – the young defender returned to action earlier this month, coming on as a second half substitute in our FA Cup quarter-final tie at Chelsea.

Now, marking her comeback from the 11-month layoff on the sidelines, Ella is set to be involved in her first home game of the season and to make it even more special, it will be at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – which she described as ‘one of the best’ grounds in football.

Speaking to us as part of an exclusive interview which you can read in full in the matchday programme this weekend, the 23-year-old spoke about her excitement to be back in N17 and wants to put in a special performance for our Lilywhite fanbase.

“It's incredible,” she said, speaking about playing in N17. “I think it's one of the best, if not, the best stadium in football at this current time. I'm really proud that I get to experience that and, as a team, we're always super excited to go and play there.

“We always get a good turnout from the fans, so we want even more to come down because we always say they're like a 12th player for us. With the environment and the excitement around the group every time we play there, we want to go and get a win.”

On the impact that supporters make, Ella added: “It's so important because every action you do, just that bit of noise, it can drive you. Even if you've done a bad touch or something, it helps you get that focus back in. Something I will say about us building our fan base, that's on us as players. We have to go out there and perform to encourage people to want to come back.

“For us, that's our job. We take that really importantly that we want to put on a performance that makes people want to come back, that grows our fan base, and grows Women's Football fan base. So having it at the stadium gives us that opportunity to expand it even more. So, we want to keep doing that.”

With players now back at Hotspur Way after the latest international break, the focus is now on a strong end to the WSL campaign – and there’s still plenty to play for.

Sitting just three points off our best-ever point tally in a single WSL season (32 in achieved in 2021/22), a victory over United would see us match that while it will confirm our spot in fifth ahead of the final two games.

“For the team, we want to record our highest points finish,” Ella said, when asked about what she wants to achieve for the rest of the season. “We want to push to finish as high in the league as we can. It's a stepping stone for us to then build on that for next season.

“For me personally, it's just about getting as many minutes as I can, showcasing myself in training to give myself that opportunity to get more minutes on the pitch. If that comes, I just want to keep building up to my own personal standards and start to feel like the old Ella again.”

Predict the score | Spurs vs Man Utd

@SteveMadeley78

First up, Wolves' relegation was confirmed this week - when West Ham picked up a point at Palace on Monday night - how do you think it will affect the players for the rest of the season?

Steve: “In a strange way, Monday night was almost irrelevant. It was relevant in as much as it made it official but, really, 95% of Wolves fans have known since Christmas that they were down. There was a brief, mini upturn when they beat Villa and Liverpool (and drew with Arsenal) and had one defeat in six games when a very small minority of fans looked at it and went, ‘maybe, maybe, maybe’ but, like I say, a very small minority. Most fans accepted that it was good to be winning games, but it didn't really change anything. I think where the mood has changed a little is after the last two performances (4-0 loss at West Ham, 3-0 loss at Leeds). After that six-game run and some improved performances, they've done well for 35 minutes at West Ham and then capitulated for the other 55 minutes and then just not really turned up at any stage at Leeds, reverting back to performances earlier in the season – the fans weren’t happy with that.”

Having said all that, Steve, Spurs fans will travel to Molineux remembering those displays against Arsenal, Villa and Liverpool - Wolves looked a very different team to what they showed at West Ham and Leeds…

Steve: “I would say as a caveat that they were good games for Wolves. This squad has a lot of flaws, but arguably the biggest is that it hasn't got any attacking creativity in terms of a creative, attacking midfielder, natural wingers and a complete centre forward. So, in the games where Wolves have to make some of the running, they struggle, whereas the games against Arsenal, Liverpool and, to an extent Villa, there was a lot more clarity to the game plan – basically, we defend and we play on the break. That almost suited them a bit more, because it was just about having a structure and playing from that. There's been a definite improvement since Christmas, but it's still a marginal improvement.”

Do you expect a reaction - a performance for the fans - back at Molineux on Saturday?

Steve: “I'm sure Rob Edwards will try that angle. If you looked at the faces of the travelling fans at Leeds on Saturday... the players, to their credit, went over and took that. They didn't shy away from it. There was a lot of anger, and understandably so. You would think that Rob Edwards would be saying, ‘well, you saw the fans at Leeds, let's give them something now’. I'm sure he'll also be saying that this is a massive game for Spurs, and Wolves will need to play on their nerves, all that kind of stuff - but then you come back to the fact that Wolves have won three games all season, and there's a reason for that - even if Wolves play up to their maximum, they can still struggle.”

We last met in September - what has Rob Edwards done differently since taking over in November?

Steve: “Tactically, he hasn't changed a great deal in terms of the set-up. Formation-wise, they still play three at the back with wing-backs, then it kind of varies as to whether they play three in midfield and two up front, or two in midfield and three up front, or a diamond or a box. It’s still essentially three at the back with wing-backs, that hasn't changed from Vitor Pereira's preferred formation. I think what has changed a little bit under Edwards is that over the last couple of games, they've been a bit better organised, harder to break down, and they've sat a bit deeper and not worried as much about possession, whereas Vitor was trying to get them to play a bit higher, a bit more aggressively, have more possession - but they didn't have the squad or the players to do it. I think Rob Edwards would like to do that long-term, but at the moment they sit more in a low-block and try and make themselves hard to beat.”

Who would be your player to watch?

Steve: “Mateus Mané would probably be the one. He hasn't actually started the last two games and was taken off at half-time against Brentford. I think he will probably start this game. He's the one player who's got a bit of a trick, a bit of something different, the quality to create something out of nothing.”

Final question - how do you think it will play out on Saturday?

Steve: “My hunch would be that it'll be a tight game, but Wolves will potentially be a bit more liberated and Spurs will be really nervous, which might just give Wolves the edge. If I had to pick one, I would say Wolves will edge it in a tight game.”

Last time we met...

SPURSPLAY

SPURSPLAY

Frequent services are anticipated through White Hart Lane, Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale before and after the game. There are no reported engineering works on services through these stations and a regular Sunday service is in operation.

The wider transport network is expected to be busy this weekend due to other major events taking place, including the London Marathon, so we encourage any fans travelling to the stadium from Central London to allow extra time for their journey.

On the Piccadilly Line, please note that there are closures throughout the line, including between Kings Cross St Pancras and Cockfosters.

There will be no shuttle bus service in operation for this fixture.

White Hart Lane

On the Weaver line, four services are expected to call at White Hart Lane in both directions before and after the game, with services operating between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town/Cheshunt.

White Hart Lane is a fully accessible station.

Northumberland Park

If travelling on Greater Anglia services, we recommend using Northumberland Park as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Tottenham Hale.

There are expected to be four services calling at the station in each direction before and after the game – though please note that trains through this station will only run to/from Meridian Water/Stratford.

Tottenham Hale

Tottenham Hale is a fully accessible station and is served by the Victoria line and Greater Anglia services.

Supporters travelling on the Victoria line are encouraged to use Tottenham Hale rather than Seven Sisters as it is a shorter journey to and from the stadium. Victoria line services will operate every 2-3 minutes in both directions before and after the game.

There will also be 12 Greater Anglia services per hour operating in each direction through Tottenham Hale, including 4 Stansted Express trains each way. We recommend using Northumberland Park for Greater Anglia services as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Tottenham Hale.

Seven Sisters

Victoria line services will be operating every 2-3 minutes in each direction before and after the game.

Pre-match, a diversion route will be in place at Birstall Road for pedestrians entering Seven Sisters station for interchange between the Victoria line and London Overground services. This is to avoid congestion on the northbound platform.

We encourage supporters to consider using Tottenham Hale for Victoria Line services as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Seven Sisters.

Queue management

Queue management systems will be in place at all stations for the safety of all passengers and staff.

At each station, the queue management staff are in contact with the Station Managers who will confirm when platforms are clear to enable more passengers to enter the station. For the safety of all passengers and staff, supporters are kindly asked to cooperate with station staff and always follow their instructions.

Cycling

Extra parking facilities for dockless bikes are available in the surrounding area, making cycling to the stadium easier than ever. Here’s a list of locations where you can start and end your journey:

High Road

Cedar Road

Ruskin Road (North)

Ruskin Road (South)

Church Road

Brereton Road (North)

Brereton Road (South)

White Hart Lane

Vicarage Road

Lansdowne Road

Scotland Green

Pembury Road (North)

Pembury Road (South)

Bike stands also remain available at Tottenham Community Sports Centre which is located on the High Road. Dedicated bicycle parking is also available on-street around the stadium.

Although our Bag Policy still applies, stewards will be briefed regarding cyclists’ need to carry helmets, puncture kits and removable seats into the stadium.