Big injury update leaves Roberto De Zerbi with key midfield dilemma
Harry Redknapp labelled Ledley King a "freak" towards the back end of his senior career. Widely regarded as one of the most gifted—and underrated—centre-backs of his generation, King was barely needing to train to star in the Premier League.
The modern-day Tottenham legend was essentially forced to skip training in a bid to prolong his career after undergoing knee surgery at 26. King admitted his knee "never felt the same" post-op, and he retired five years later with a sense of unfulfillment. He enjoyed a successful career, but King could've been truly special.
In a Premier League so physical and intense, even more so than it was 15/20 years ago, there's surely no way King could've done what he did back then now.
However, it seems as if Spurs have birthed another Ledley King in James Maddison.
James Maddison an injury doubt vs. Chelsea after skipping training
It's no secret that the club are taking a more cautious stance regarding injuries and recovery. The new approach was abundantly clear at Nottingham Forest in September, when Roberto De Zerbi begrudignly agreed to a pair of pre-determined substitutions on the hour mark.
Despite the change in approach, Spurs are still dealing with frequent setbacks. Maddison, in particular, can't escape the physio room after recovering from a long-term knee injury earlier this year.
The playmaker only returned when he did because the club was in relegation strife. If our position was rosier in the table, Maddison surely would've had the season off and had the summer to get himself fully fit for the new season.
Perhaps as a result of his premature return, Maddison didn't make his first Premier League start since April 2025 until Monday night. He was bothered by a shoulder injury at the start of the campaign, and load management has forced him to perform cameos off the bench.
He got through 70 minutes against former club Coventry City and inspired our first league victory of the season. Life's a whole lot easier when Maddison is in the starting XI, but his fitness issues are continuing to linger.
De Zerbi confirmed ahead of Saturday's trip to Chelsea that Maddison missed three training sessions this week and is a doubt for the match. "I don't know if he's ready for tomorrow," the Italian said on Friday.
With Lucas Bergvall also injured and Rodrigo Bentancur suspended, we'll likely see Conor Gallagher return to the engine room at his old stomping ground. Gallagher was good at Old Trafford but poor off the bench on Monday. On occasions like these, I don't mind him running around and making himself busy.
Hopefully, Mateus Fernandes' inclusion in the XI allows us to efficiently progress through the centre of the pitch, while also ensuring Sandro Tonali isn't left on an island in midfield. The two new signings have yet to start next to each other since joining the club, and supporters are desperate to see the tandem work in harmony.
Today's best reads
Roberto De Zerbi explains why Mateus Fernandes didn't start vs. Coventry
Tottenham vs. Coventry player ratings: Maddison magic, Kulusevski returns on winning night
Archie Gray is the best case for Roberto De Zerbi sticking with a formation change
Tottenham vs. Coventry: Predicted starting 11 for must-win clash
The Mateus Fernandes breakout is just begging to happen for Tottenham vs. Chelsea
