Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that both James Maddison and Destiny Udogie are fit and available for Tottenham Hotspur's match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Maddison, who netted a stunning goal in Spurs' 3-1 victory over Coventry City, picked up a knock during last weekend's 2-0 win against Chelsea, casting doubt over his involvement against the Eagles. Udogie, meanwhile, had been sidelined for the previous two fixtures after sustaining an injury in the draw with Manchester United.
De Zerbi moved to ease concerns over both players during his press conference on Friday, stating via football.london : "James is available. This week, Maddison didn't work like other players, but for tomorrow he is available. He is a special player for us. He has unique characteristics.
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"He [Udogie] is available. That is another problematic player in terms of injuries."
Despite the welcome double boost, De Zerbi confirmed that four players remain sidelined through injury, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Lucas Bergvall, Mykhailo Mudryk and Sávio all unavailable for the North Londoners.
"Still out [are] Tosin, Bergvall, Mudryk. Sávio is injured. Everyone else is available," he said.
While the absence of those four players represents a significant blow, the return of Pedro Porro provides a timely lift for Spurs, with the fullback potentially in line to start against Palace.
Spain's FIFA World Cup winner came off the bench during last weekend's victory at Stamford Bridge, and De Zerbi is thrilled to have the right-back available once more.
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The manager said: "Pedro is one of the biggest players. A great guy. Sensitive guy. Passionate guy. We are very lucky to have Pedro with us."
Mathys Tel also left his mark on proceedings against the Blues, netting a stunning strike to seal the 2-0 victory.
De Zerbi is full of praise for the young winger, adding: "I'm proud and happy but first of all for him because I love working for the players, to improve the players. I lost in my career many chances to become a better player. A focus of my job is to work on the improvement of the players. Mathys is working very hard. He's a smart guy with big potential. I am here to help my players."
Spurs welcome a Palace side teetering precariously above the drop zone, with a 5-0 loss at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion coupled with last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United piling the heat on Pierre Sage.
De Zerbi understands the weight of expectation that follows a rough patch of results, and holds the Frenchman in high regard, adding: "I know very well Pierre Sage. He is a very good coach. I have known him for a long time, from Lyon, last season at Lens. He's a very good coach. I watched the game against Fulham, against Beşiktaş and Newcastle. They are alive."
