De Zerbi calls Spurs’ injury crisis normal ahead of Chelsea test
Roberto De Zerbi says Tottenham’s injury problems are a normal part of football and does not blame the club’s medical staff, as Spurs prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The absences add to a difficult challenge: Tottenham have won only once in their past 42 matches in all competitions at the ground.
Pedro Porro has returned, while Andy Robertson, Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke were described as fit; Destiny Udogie remains unavailable, Tosin Adarabioyo is doubtful and James Maddison may not be ready. De Zerbi could be without nine injured players, with Rodrigo Bentancur suspended. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso credited improved emotional control and the arrival of more experienced players for the team’s discipline after 11 red cards last season; Chelsea have had none this season.
In short
- De Zerbi says Spurs’ injury list is a normal football situation.
- Tottenham could be without nine injured players against Chelsea.
- Chelsea have had no red cards this season, after 11 last season.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
De Zerbi’s view is that injuries are an ordinary feature of football, and a depleted squad does not by itself show that a club’s medical staff have failed. With players returning and others unavailable, treating the situation as part of the game may help the team focus on the Chelsea match rather than assign blame without evidence.
The case against
A possible counterargument is that a large number of absences can merit scrutiny, since injury patterns may reflect workload, training or medical decisions as well as chance. Even if injuries are common, supporters could reasonably expect the club to examine whether avoidable factors have contributed, especially before a difficult fixture.
Explained simply
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are London football clubs who meet regularly in the Premier League, England’s top division. Their matches are known as a London derby, and Stamford Bridge is Chelsea’s home ground.
Football clubs rely on players being available throughout a long season, but injuries and suspensions can leave managers with fewer choices. Medical teams help players recover and return to training, while managers decide when they are ready to play.
Results at a particular ground can form part of the context around a fixture, though past records do not determine what happens next. Chelsea’s discipline is also relevant: red cards leave a team short-handed, so clubs try to prevent players being sent off.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Premier League news: Spurs’ nine injuries ‘normal’, says De Zerbi; ‘emotional control’ keeps Blues red-free”.