Soccer1h ago
De Zerbi Backs Tottenham Medical Staff Amid Ongoing Fitness Concerns
The manager expresses confidence in the team's support despite several absences ahead of the trip to Chelsea.
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Medical Team Under Scrutiny
Roberto De Zerbi has voiced strong support for Tottenham's medical staff as the club deals with multiple fitness issues. He described their work as high level and said he follows their guidance closely with full confidence. De Zerbi noted that such situations are common in football and that nothing negative can yet be said about the department after reviewing the season so far.
Cases Highlighted by Manager
The manager pointed to specific examples to illustrate limited responsibility on the medical side. Pedro Porro dealt with a hamstring issue dating back to the World Cup, returned for a match against Aston Villa, then encountered another setback after rushing his comeback. Lucas Bergvall felt knee pain during a tackle in the Manchester United game, finished the match and noticed discomfort the next day. Andy Robertson appeared fatigued after four consecutive international matches and six games across 20 days before featuring against Coventry.
Derby Context and Past Experience
Tottenham travel to Chelsea on Saturday night missing several players, with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison also uncertain after limited training. Destiny Udogie stays out while Tosin Adarabioyo's recovery remains in doubt, though Pedro Porro is available. The club has recorded just one win in 41 visits to Stamford Bridge, yet De Zerbi draws on his own prior success there with Brighton in 2023. He recalled leading Foggia to victory at Bari in 2015 despite a long losing streak at that venue, framing the challenge as added motivation rather than pressure.
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