As Tottenham gear up for Monday's Premier League showdown against Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (20:00 BST), manager Roberto de Zerbi has offered a candid update on several key squad members. With the stakes high in the race for European spots, the Italian tactician's pre-match press conference shed light on injury returns, player futures, and the challenge ahead.
First up, the goalkeeper situation. Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined, and De Zerbi didn't sugarcoat the frustration: "I don't know what will be the plan. He's suffering because he would like to help the team and his teammates. But he's not available yet." For Spurs fans, Vicario's absence is a blow, but the boss is clearly prioritizing a full recovery over rushing him back.
Then there's James Maddison—the creative spark Spurs have been missing. The midfielder has returned to the squad in recent weeks after a long-term knee injury but hasn't yet stepped onto the pitch. De Zerbi's assessment was measured but revealing: "I am thinking about James Maddison because I am watching a top, top player. Maybe he is not ready yet to play, not as a physical condition, but for the rhythm or intensity of the game. You are playing in the Premier League—the most difficult league in the world for rhythm and intensity." In other words, Maddison's fitness is there, but match sharpness is a different beast entirely.
On a brighter note, Dominic Solanke is making strides. "He's improving very quickly," De Zerbi said, hinting at a potential return against Chelsea. "I don't know if he can be available for this game. We hope for the next game at Stamford Bridge." For a team looking to build momentum, Solanke's recovery could be a timely boost.
When the conversation turned to Joao Palhinha—currently on loan from Bayern Munich—De Zerbi didn't hold back his enthusiasm. Asked if he'd like to keep the midfielder permanently, the response was emphatic: "100%. We have to start from this type of person. We need reliable people as well as reliable players, and Palhinha is one of the best. I want to see players with the same attitude, with the same passion, with the same spirit and personality. We are lucky to have Palhinha with us." It's a ringing endorsement that suggests Spurs will be pushing hard to make the deal permanent this summer.
De Zerbi also had praise for Conor Gallagher, who has been finding his stride after a tricky January arrival. "I'm happy. He came in a difficult situation. He had some problems at the beginning. He is an important player. I am happy to watch him in this condition. I said after the [Aston Villa] game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent." High praise for a player who seems to be winning over his manager with every performance.
Finally, De Zerbi turned his focus to Leeds, who arrive in north London in formidable form. "First of all, we are playing against one of the best teams in the league, in this moment. In the past five or six games, they won against Manchester United, they drew in Bournemouth..." The message is clear: underestimate Leeds at your peril. For Spurs, it's about matching that intensity—and perhaps, getting their own stars back on the pitch.