Tottenham Hotspur's manager, Roberto De Zerbi, faces a crucial decision as he prepares his side for the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea. With a crucial game on the horizon, De Zerbi must carefully consider his starting lineup, especially with key players returning from injury and others unavailable.
One of the most significant returns is that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is now available for selection. De Zerbi confirmed that Vicario is fit to play, but the decision of whether to start him or not is not a straightforward one. The manager must weigh up the physical condition and momentum of his players, with Vicario being the first-choice goalkeeper.
Another player who has been missing due to injury is Dominic Solanke, who has been out with a hamstring issue. Solanke's chances of making England's World Cup squad are now looking slim, as De Zerbi confirmed he won't be fit to face Chelsea. The manager expressed hope that Solanke might play some part against Everton on the final day of the season, but his immediate future remains uncertain.
James Maddison, who has been out of action for a while due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is also returning to the squad. However, De Zerbi indicated that Maddison is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes, having overcome a minor setback earlier in the week. The manager will assess Maddison's fitness tomorrow before making a decision on his involvement.
Tottenham's injury list remains long, with several key players out with long-term injuries. This includes Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Cristian Romero. The absence of these players means that De Zerbi has a challenging task in selecting a strong starting XI.
Despite the injuries, De Zerbi has a few options to consider, particularly in attack. Richarlison and Kolo Muani are likely to feature, with the former's form and goalscoring record making him a key player for Tottenham. The manager's decision will be crucial in determining the team's performance against Chelsea.
The match against Chelsea is set to take place at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 8:15 pm BST. It will be broadcast on Sky Sports, and fans will be eager to see how De Zerbi's decisions impact the team's performance. With so many factors to consider, the manager's choices will be pivotal in Tottenham's quest for success in the remaining games of the season.
