Maddison available for Spurs after limping off in historic Chelsea win

James Maddison has been cleared to play for Tottenham against Crystal Palace on Saturday, easing fears that the playmaker had suffered another setback after limping off in the 51st minute of Spurs’ 2-0 victory at Chelsea.

Maddison’s early exit at Stamford Bridge raised immediate concern given his history of injury this season. The midfielder only returned to action in May following anterior cruciate ligament surgery, and his fitness has been managed carefully ever since. Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed, however, that the 28-year-old had trained separately from the main group this week as a precaution rather than through any new problem.

“James is available,” De Zerbi said. “This week he didn’t work like the other players, but for tomorrow he is available and he is a special player for us — a special player because of the character and he has unique characteristics. For James Maddison or the players who are coming from a long injury, they have to work more than the other players, but he has already four or five weeks he is working very hard and consistently.”

De Zerbi also confirmed that left-back Destiny Udogie returns to the squad after missing the wins over Coventry and Chelsea with a knee problem. The Italian full-back has struggled with persistent fitness issues this season, and his manager acknowledged the challenge of managing his workload. “He is available, but is another problematic player in terms of injuries now because he can’t work consistently during the weeks,” De Zerbi said.

The Spurs head coach also reflected on the decision to risk Pedro Porro against Aston Villa, accepting shared responsibility for that call. “Maybe we made some mistake with Pedro, with Aston Villa, but not medical staff — it was together, me too and my staff, but it’s part of the job.”

Tottenham head into Saturday’s home fixture against 17th-place Palace in strong form. Their win at Stamford Bridge was the club’s first victory there in eight years and only their second away Premier League win against Chelsea in the competition’s history.

Despite the momentum, De Zerbi was measured in his assessment of where the season stands. “We have not achieved our goal. We want our fans to be happy, but not now — at the end of the season. Now we have to push. We have to stay focused. We have to increase, improve the spirit, the appetite to win games in a row. One or two times is not enough.”