Tottenham Hotspur's manager, Roberto De Zerbi, is optimistic about the upcoming return of Swedish midfielder Dejan Kulusevski from a knee injury. Kulusevski has not played for Tottenham since May 2025 and returned to full training this week. Although he will not play against Aston Villa on Saturday, he is expected to make his comeback after the international break. De Zerbi believes Kulusevski's presence in training has already lifted team spirits.
De Zerbi emphasized the importance of managing Kulusevski's return carefully with the medical and physical staff. He praised Kulusevski as a good player and a good person who deserves to play again. The manager compared Kulusevski's return to a new signing, highlighting his potential impact on the team. Kulusevski's return is expected to provide a significant boost to Tottenham, who have had a disappointing start to the season.
Another player who could make a significant impact for Tottenham is James Maddison, who returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury in May. Maddison was hampered by a shoulder injury in the opening weekend of the season but impressed in a cameo against Liverpool in the League Cup. De Zerbi praised Maddison's qualities, experience, and passing ability, emphasizing his importance to the team.
Despite their significant spending on new signings during the off-season, Tottenham has struggled, failing to win or score in their first four Premier League matches. Their upcoming match against Aston Villa, who have also had a poor start with just one point, is crucial for both teams. A defeat for either team would be a significant blow to their season aspirations.
De Zerbi urged his players to remain calm and confident in their abilities, despite the challenging start to the season. He expressed his full confidence in the team and emphasized the importance of sticking to their strategy. The manager's positive attitude and faith in his players are essential in turning the team's fortunes around.
The return of Kulusevski and the improving form of Maddison could be key factors in Tottenham's revival. De Zerbi's ability to manage the team's dynamics and make tactical decisions will be crucial in the coming weeks. The international break provides an opportunity for the team to regroup and refocus before their next match.
The pressure is mounting on De Zerbi to deliver results, but he remains committed to his approach and confident in his team's abilities. The upcoming match against Aston Villa presents an opportunity for Tottenham to break their winless streak and start their season on a positive note. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Key points
- Dejan Kulusevski is expected to make his comeback for Tottenham after the international break following his return to full training.
- James Maddison is primed for more minutes against Aston Villa after an encouraging cameo in the League Cup.
- Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is confident in his team's abilities despite a disappointing start to the season.
