Tottenham Hotspur have received encouraging team news ahead of their Premier League showdown with Crystal Palace, as Roberto De Zerbi confirms that James Maddison and Destiny Udogie are available for selection.
Spurs will host Palace on Saturday evening, October 31, aiming to record their third consecutive victory after picking up impressive wins against Coventry City and Chelsea.
Tottenham’s recent results have lifted their confidence, and another three points could help them climb further up the Premier League table.
Maddison Available Despite Chelsea Injury Scare
Tottenham supporters were concerned when James Maddison was forced off shortly after half-time during the club’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend.
The attacking midfielder appeared to have suffered a groin problem, raising fears that he could face another spell on the sidelines.
Maddison has only recently returned to competitive football after a lengthy absence caused by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He made his first competitive start since May 2025 against Coventry City, scoring an important goal in Tottenham’s 3-1 victory.
His subsequent substitution against Chelsea therefore sparked fresh concerns about his fitness.
However, De Zerbi has now confirmed that the England international is available for the Crystal Palace match.
The Tottenham manager explained that Maddison did not train at the same intensity as his teammates throughout the week, but he remains an option for Saturday’s encounter.
De Zerbi also emphasised the midfielder’s importance to the team, highlighting the special qualities he brings to Tottenham’s attack.
Although Maddison is available, the manager must decide whether to start him or introduce him from the bench to avoid risking another injury.
Udogie Returns After Missing Two Matches
Tottenham have received another boost with Destiny Udogie also returning to contention.
The Italian left-back missed the club’s previous two fixtures after experiencing a knee problem, leaving De Zerbi without one of his defensive options.
During his press conference, the manager confirmed that Udogie is available. However, he also expressed concern about the defender’s recurring fitness problems.
De Zerbi explained that Udogie has struggled to train consistently with the squad and spent a significant period working away from the group following the match against Manchester United.
The manager added that Tottenham’s medical team are working carefully to make appropriate decisions for each player, depending on their fitness and individual circumstances.
Udogie’s availability is welcome news, but his recent difficulties could mean that Tottenham manage his minutes carefully against Palace.
Rather than immediately returning him to the starting lineup, De Zerbi could use him as a substitute while he continues rebuilding his fitness.
The defender’s repeated injury problems remain a concern, and his ability to maintain consistent fitness will be important for Tottenham moving forward.
Four Players Remain Unavailable
Despite the positive updates on Maddison and Udogie, Tottenham will still be without several players for the Crystal Palace fixture.
De Zerbi confirmed that Tosin Adarabioyo, Lucas Bergvall, Mykhailo Mudryk and Savio remain unavailable because of their respective injury problems.
Their absences could affect the manager’s selection options, although the return of Maddison and Udogie provides additional depth.
Tottenham will hope the injured players recover as quickly as possible while the available squad members continue building momentum.
Tottenham Aim to Extend Winning Run
Spurs enter the weekend in encouraging form after beating Coventry City 3-1 and securing a significant 2-0 away victory against Chelsea.
The result at Stamford Bridge was particularly important, ending Tottenham’s long wait for a Premier League victory at Chelsea’s ground.
De Zerbi will now want his players to maintain that momentum against Crystal Palace and demonstrate that the recent results are the beginning of sustained improvement.
Maddison’s creativity could be valuable in breaking down Palace’s defence, while Udogie’s return gives the manager another option on the left flank.
However, Tottenham must be careful not to rush either player back into action at the expense of their long-term fitness.
The Bottom Line
Tottenham have received a double injury boost ahead of their London derby against Crystal Palace, with James Maddison and Destiny Udogie both available for selection.
Nevertheless, their recent fitness concerns mean De Zerbi will have to consider whether either player should start or be introduced gradually.
With four other players still unavailable, Tottenham will be hoping their returning stars can help the team secure another important victory.
