Roberto De Zerbi offers cautious update on James Maddison’s Tottenham return
Roberto De Zerbi has provided a fresh update on James Maddison’s fitness, as Tottenham weigh up their options ahead of a crucial run-in.
Tottenham Hotspur must find tactical alternatives as they search for a solution to the absence of Xavi Simons for the remainder of the campaign.
Spurs Web believes that Roberto De Zerbi could turn to three different stars to fill the creative void left by Simons following his unfortunate ACL injury.
Among the primary options to replace him is James Maddison, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury of his own and has yet to feature in a competitive match this season.
The feeling, though, is that Maddison is not far away from a long-awaited comeback as he has returned to full first-team training at Hotspur Way.
The playmaker has featured on the bench in the last two games, and while he remained an unused substitute, his presence in the matchday squad suggests he is nearing the physical levels required for a return to action.
Roberto De Zerbi provides James Maddison injury update as Tottenham prepare for Aston Villa
Speaking ahead of the crucial trip to face Aston Villa, De Zerbi has opened up on how likely it is for Maddison to feature before the conclusion of the season.
The Italian is clearly eager to reintegrate the midfielder into his starting eleven, but he remains wary of the risks involved in rushing a player back from a major reconstructive surgery.
The Tottenham head coach explained to football.london that the player is progressing well, although a final decision on his involvement against Aston Villa or Leeds United remains dependent on several physical factors.
He said: “Very well. I do not know, I would like to play with him, because he is a special player, he is a different player, but we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things.
“But I think he can be important in the next three games. Experience, personality, calm. Because anyway, if you have much experience, you are calmer.
“You can consider the timing when you have to speak, when you have to say something or not. And I want him to stay inside even if he does not play, because when he will be ready to play, I want him 100 per cent inside of the plan of the team.”
Mathys Tel could offer Spurs creative alternative as Maddison nears return
Tottenham will undoubtedly require greater creativity in the middle of the field with Simons sidelined, as the responsibility for unlocking defences now falls on the remaining fit members of the squad.
Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall may be required to occupy the number ten role, though neither is viewed as a natural playmaker in the same mould as their injured teammates.
This situation could necessitate a change in tactical approach from Tottenham, who will likely need significantly more production from their wide players in the high-stakes games ahead.
While it remains unlikely that Maddison will start against Aston Villa, De Zerbi has hinted at a potential front three that includes Mathys Tel.
The former Bayern Munich attacker has had to bide his time under De Zerbi and, should he be handed a start at Villa Park, he will have to ensure he makes his involvement count in the final third.
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