Maddison Fit for Spurs Ahead of Palace Clash
Tottenham have been handed a significant lift with Roberto De Zerbi confirming that James Maddison is fit and available, despite fresh concerns after his early withdrawal at Stamford Bridge.
The England international has endured a brutal run with injuries. He only returned from a serious anterior cruciate ligament problem at the end of last season, then saw his momentum checked again by a shoulder fracture in September. Spurs have had to ration his minutes, edging him back into action rather than throwing him straight into the weekly grind.
The careful approach appeared to be paying off. Maddison marked his first competitive start since May 2025 with a goal against Coventry, a reminder of the creativity and punch he brings between the lines. That display earned him a surprise place in the XI for Spurs’ rare and emotionally charged win at Stamford Bridge, a night that felt like a statement for De Zerbi’s new regime.
So when Maddison was taken off early in west London, anxiety spread quickly. Not again. Not him.
De Zerbi moved to steady the mood.
“This week, Maddison didn’t work like other players, but for tomorrow he is available,” he said, underlining both the caution and the importance of his playmaker. “He is a special player for us. He has unique characteristics.”
Spurs know exactly what those characteristics are: tempo, imagination, and the ability to turn a tight game with a single pass or strike. Even at something short of full throttle, Maddison changes the geometry of their attack.
Udogie another delicate case
Maddison is not the only key figure being handled with care. Destiny Udogie is also available, but De Zerbi admitted the full-back has become a “problematic” case from a fitness standpoint.
“He is another problematic player in terms of injuries now because he can’t work consistently during the weeks,” the Italian said of his compatriot. “After United he didn’t work with us, with the group for a long time and this season is different because we have great medical staff and we are taking the right decision for each player in the right moment and in the right situation.”
The message is clear: Spurs will not gamble recklessly, even with important players. Udogie’s explosive style on the flank is central to how De Zerbi wants his side to play, but the club are determined to break the cycle of stop-start seasons that has dogged too many of their talents.
Injury list still biting
Not everyone is ready to return. Lucas Bergvall remains sidelined with the knee injury he suffered in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United, depriving Spurs of another energetic option in midfield.
Savio continues to manage a muscular problem, limiting De Zerbi’s attacking rotations, while Mykhailo Mudryk has been out since the start of September with an ankle issue. The Ukrainian’s absence has removed a burst of pace and unpredictability from Spurs’ forward line just as the fixture list begins to thicken.
Even so, the sense around the camp is that the medical and coaching staff have settled on a more disciplined strategy: fewer short-term risks, more long-term availability.
Palace struggling for rhythm
Next up is Crystal Palace on Saturday, a side still searching for themselves under Pierre Sage after he replaced Oliver Glasner in the summer.
The Eagles sit 17th in the table, with only two wins all season. Their last league victory came at the start of October, a 3-1 success over Glasner’s Nottingham Forest. Since then, form has frayed, confidence has dipped, and the margins have turned against them.
For Spurs, that makes this a test of ruthlessness rather than romance. With Maddison back in the squad, Udogie cleared, and a cautious but coherent injury plan in place, this is the kind of game a serious side has to control.
Palace are wounded, but dangerous enough. Spurs are improving, but still patched up. Which version of each team turns up may say a lot about where their seasons are really heading.
