Four Tottenham academy players Roberto De Zerbi could unleash to beat injury crisis - Opinion
Tottenham have always been at their best when they’ve looked forward rather than inward – and in the middle of this injury crisis, that truth may matter more than ever.
The first win of 2026 felt enormous. It lifted a weight, restored a little belief, and most importantly kept survival firmly within reach. But it came with a cruel price.
Injuries have once again torn through the squad, with Dominic Solanke’s hamstring issue and the devastating ACL injury to Xavi Simons adding to an already brutal list. With Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, and James Maddison still working his way back, the attacking depth is stretched to its limit.
And yet, maybe this is not just a crisis. Maybe it is an opportunity.
For all the understandable concern, there is something undeniably exciting about the possibility this opens up: a genuine chance for Tottenham’s young talent to step into the spotlight.
With a front three likely to feature Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, and one of Conor Gallagher or Lucas Bergvall operating behind them, the bench could suddenly have a distinctly academy feel to it. And rather than seeing that as desperation, Spurs supporters should see it for what it could be — a glimpse of the future arriving early.
James Wilson is a Tottenham striker with no fear
There is something very “Tottenham” about the idea of a young striker being thrown into the chaos and thriving.
At 19, James Wilson already carries himself like someone ready for bigger stages. His Scotland debut, becoming the nation’s youngest ever player in March against Greece, spoke volumes about how highly he is rated. His return of eight goals in 45 games at Hearts might not scream superstar yet, but those numbers rarely tell the full story with young forwards.
What stands out is his instinct. Wilson has that natural striker’s knack of appearing where danger is. He plays fearless football, attacks spaces aggressively and has the kind of confidence young players need if they are going to make the leap.
In a survival fight, that fearlessness matters.
Luca Williams-Barnett has the X-Factor but injury issues of his own
Every academy generation has one player that supporters whisper about. Luca Williams-Barnett feels like that player. With the number of fans calling for his inclusion at the moment, we had to at least mention him. But there is a reason he isn’t even on the bench at the moment…
At just 17, he already has that rare trait that cannot be coached: he makes people rise out of their seats. There is unpredictability to his game, a spark that can turn stale moments into magic. His five-goal haul against Slavia Praha in the UEFA Youth League was outrageous, but it only confirmed what many already suspected.
He is special.
And in a squad missing creativity, maybe this is exactly the moment to trust someone capable of producing something from nothing. Sometimes survival is not about control – it is about moments. Williams-Barnett can create them.
There is just one problem. Tottenham even need to wait for their brightest academy spark to come back from injury, as Williams-Barnett is nursing a problem at the moment. Unfortunately, Spurs fans might have to put a pin in that one for now.
Tottenham’s Callum Olusesi is calm beyond his years
Not every young player announces themselves with flair. Some do it with composure.
Callum Olusesi belongs firmly in that category.
Already trusted in major moments — from a Champions League appearance against Atlético to minutes at Anfield — he looks remarkably comfortable around senior football. He can play as an eight or a ten, carries the ball intelligently, and has an eye for the progressive pass.
There is maturity in his game that should not be underestimated.
In difficult seasons, calm players become priceless.
Tynan Thompson is a natural winger, and Spurs need that
Every great escape needs an unlikely hero.
The 18-year-old winger is flying in the youth setup and offers something this injury-hit side desperately needs — pure unpredictability. He is quick, direct, fearless and gloriously unrestrained.
There is something wonderfully old-school about a winger who just wants to beat his man.
And if Tottenham are going to fight their way to safety, maybe a freestyle-loving wide player playing with nothing to lose could be exactly the kind of chaos this team needs.
Survival will require courage from Spurs and De Zerbi
It is easy in difficult moments to retreat into caution. To trust only experience. To play safe. But safe does not always save you.
Tottenham’s history is built on daring — on backing youth, playing brave football and trusting talent before the rest of the world sees it. That identity should not disappear when things get hard. In fact, it matters more now.
Because survival may not come through grinding out predictable solutions. It may come through taking risks.
Throwing a teenager on when a game needs changing. Trusting academy players in pressure moments. Believing youthful fearlessness can achieve what caution cannot.
Yes, injuries have left Spurs depleted. But they may also have opened the door for something uplifting in a season that has needed it.
Maybe this is where new heroes emerge. Maybe this is where futures begin. And maybe, just maybe, survival will be secured not despite trusting youth – but because of it.
Because sometimes, when your back is against the wall, the boldest move is the only move left.
And for Tottenham to survive, bold may be exactly what’s required.
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