Roberto De Zerbi confirms Spurs boost ahead of Chelsea clash

Roberto De Zerbi confirms Spurs boost ahead of Chelsea clash Tottenham Team News: Pedro Porro Returns but Destiny Udogie Out for Chelsea Clash Tottenham head to Stamford Bridge with one first choice full back back in the frame and the other still missing. That is the short version. Pedro Porro is available again, Destiny Udogie is not, and Roberto De Zerbi is still managing minutes carefully as Spurs try to avoid adding more names to an already awkward injury list. Porro has not played for a month after damaging his hamstring in the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa. He even travelled to Spain during the international break to see a specialist, which usually tells you the issue needed proper attention. For now, the outcome is positive enough for Tottenham. As De Zerbi put it, “Pedro is back, [Udogie] is not available.” Udogie, meanwhile, remains sidelined with the knee problem he suffered in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United. De Zerbi did not try to dress it up. “With the medical staff, we are trying to find the best way for him. But after Manchester United, I have not worked with him, and it is a problem. We are lucky because in the same position we have solutions.” Pedro Porro return boosts Tottenham That matters because Spurs need reliable options against Chelsea, a side that has made this fixture miserable for them over a long stretch. Tottenham have won only once in the league so far and the trip across London comes with very little margin for error. There was better news elsewhere. Omar Marmoush and Andy Robertson are both fit despite concerns when they came off in the 3-1 win over Coventry. De Zerbi’s verdict was simple: “Robertson is available, Marmoush is good, Solanke is good. Lucas Bergvall, Savio (are out), nothing more.” Photo: IMAGO Destiny Udogie absence still a problem The more delicate calls concern Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison. Kulusevski only just returned, making his first competitive appearance in 526 days against Coventry. Maddison made his first competitive start since May 2025. Both got through the match, but neither is guaranteed to be ready. De Zerbi said: “I don’t know, because in the first three days Maddison didn’t work with us, I don’t know if he’s ready for tomorrow. We can play also with Mathys Tel, we can play with Marmoush, we can play with Gallagher, or we have more solutions considering Pedro Porro can play. “Like I said many times, I don’t want to take risks, because if you analyse this period of European football, you can see many injuries, not [just] for Tottenham, for everyone. So if I can, I don’t want to take risks to lose many players for many games. “Kulusevski also (I don’t know if he is ready for tomorrow). Kulusevski worked well, but on the first day (after Coventry) he stayed individual.” Chelsea vs Tottenham shaped by fitness calls This is what the game may come down to. Tottenham have bodies returning, but not all of them are ready for full load. Chelsea do not need much encouragement in this fixture. They have won the last seven meetings and have lost only once at Stamford Bridge against Spurs since 1990. That is not history, that is a warning.