Roberto De Zerbi has firmly defended Tottenham Hotspur’s medical department, insisting the staff is operating at a “high level” despite the club’s persistent injury troubles. The Italian manager pushed back against growing criticism following a disrupted training week that left Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison as doubts for Saturday’s crucial North London derby against Chelsea. Both players featured in Monday’s victory over Coventry, but subsequent fitness concerns have forced Spurs to manage their squad with extreme caution ahead of the high-stakes fixture.
Manager backs clinical team as Chelsea clash looms with key players doubtful
The absence of key personnel significantly complicates De Zerbi’s tactical plans for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Destiny Udogie remains sidelined, while center-back Tosin Adarabioyo may not recover in time to feature, leaving the defensive line thin. Although the return of Pedro Porro offers a welcome boost to the right flank, the recurring nature of these fitness issues this season and in recent campaigns has raised questions about squad depth and recovery protocols. De Zerbi acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating, “It’s football,” while emphasizing his confidence in the clinical expertise of the team behind the scenes.
As Tottenham prepares to face rivals Chelsea, the focus shifts to how De Zerbi navigates these personnel constraints without compromising competitive integrity. The manager’s public support for the medical staff serves as a clear signal of unity within the camp, aiming to deflect external pressure and keep the narrative focused on performance rather than speculation. With the derby on the horizon, the availability of Maddison and Kulusevski will be the defining factors in determining whether Spurs can secure a vital result in a season already marred by physical setbacks.
Source: The Independent Sport
