Tottenham have some good news before facing Crystal Palace. James Maddison is available, which matters because Spurs do not have many players with his craft between the lines and because his fitness has been an ongoing issue for months.
Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the England midfielder can feature, even if preparation has been less than ideal. "James is available," he said. He then added: "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."
That tells you plenty. Maddison is fit enough to be involved, but not in the sort of rhythm a manager would want. Spurs have had to handle him carefully since his return from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered before the end of last season. There was also the shoulder fracture in September, so this has hardly been a smooth road back.
His start in the 2-0 win over Chelsea raised eyebrows simply because it came so soon after his managed return. He scored on his first competitive start since May 2025 against Coventry, then got the nod again at Stamford Bridge. He did not last, coming off shortly after half-time with what looked like a groin issue. For Spurs, that was the obvious concern from an otherwise excellent afternoon.
Now, at least in the short term, there is no fresh setback serious enough to rule him out of the Crystal Palace game. That is important for a side still trying to find consistency and still relying on moments of quality in the final third.
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De Zerbi also offered an update on Destiny Udogie, who has missed Tottenham's last two matches with a knee problem. "He [Udogie] is available," he said. Then came the reality check: "He is another problematic player in terms of injuries now because he can't work consistently during the weeks. 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."
That is a manager spelling it out plainly. Udogie can help, but he is not training consistently, and Spurs are managing him week to week.
Tottenham are still without several players. De Zerbi said: "Still out [are] Tosin, [Lucas] Bergvall, [Mykhailo] Mudryk. Savio is injured. Everyone else is available." Bergvall has a knee injury, Mudryk has been absent since early September with an ankle problem, and Savio is dealing with a muscular issue.
As for Palace, they arrive in patchy form under Pierre Sage. They sit 17th with only two league wins and have struggled badly for momentum. Their midweek 1-0 Carabao Cup win at Fulham, sealed by Eddie Nketiah, offered some respite. It does not change the broader picture.
For Tottenham, this is straightforward. With Maddison available and Udogie back in the mix, there are fewer excuses. At home, against a Palace side short on confidence, three points are required.
