Tottenham Round-Up, Sunday 18th October 2026: Kulusevski Set for Emotional Comeback as De Zerbi Delivers Injury Blows Ahead of Coventry Clash
The big story on Sunday is the imminent return of Dejan Kulusevski, who is poised to be named among the substitutes for Monday night's Premier League clash with Coventry City after more than 500 days out with a complicated kneecap injury (Evening Standard) (BBC Sport) (Football.London). Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the winger will be involved in the matchday squad, and revealed how emotional Kulusevski was on hearing the news, saying he "suffered too much" and "deserves to feel emotion on the pitch" (Evening Standard) (TottenhamHotspur.com) (TottenhamHotspur.com). Kulusevski himself has hinted at the comeback on social media, telling fans "I told you" as the long road back finally nears its end (Spurs Web). Football.London have detailed every word De Zerbi said on the subject in his pre-match press conference (Football.London) (TottenhamHotspur.com) (Football.London).
It is not all good news on the fitness front, however, as De Zerbi confirmed a double injury blow with Lucas Bergvall and Savio both ruled out of the Coventry game (Spurs Web) (TottenhamHotspur.com) (Football.London). There was a more positive update on Pedro Porro, who has received a fitness boost but will not be fit enough to link up with Savio on the right-hand side given the latter's absence (Spurs Web) (Football.London). Football.London's round-up also touched on the situations of Mudryk and Xavi as part of their wider look at the treatment room (Football.London), while Spurs Web report that James Maddison's recovery continues to frustrate fans amid repeated setbacks (Spurs Web).
Elsewhere in the build-up, De Zerbi was asked directly about Richarlison's future and gave what was described as a blunt response (Football.London), and also addressed the forward's recent social media post that appeared to criticise the manager for substituting him, with De Zerbi giving a clear answer on the matter (Spurs Web). The head coach was also bullish about his side's expectations against Coventry, insisting "We are Tottenham" (Spurs Web), and explained his plan to get the goals flowing again, referencing a specific target of "25 to 30" (Spurs Web). He additionally gave his verdict on the club's mid-season training camp, saying it had left a "stronger group" (Spurs Web).
Ahead of kick-off, pundits have been offering their predictions. Chris Sutton warned that Coventry are "a dangerous team" for Spurs to face (Spurs Web), while Alan Shearer offered a more positive prediction for the hosts despite earlier relegation claims (Spurs Web). Robbie Fowler has also made a bold prediction on where Tottenham will finish in the table this season (Spurs Web), and a supercomputer has given its verdict on Spurs' chances of claiming a first Premier League win of the season (Spurs Web). Spurs Web have also published a full preview with predicted lineup (Spurs Web).
Away from the first team, Tottenham's academy continues to produce eye-catching moments, with Oliver Irow winning the League One Goal of the Month award for a stunning top-corner strike (TottenhamHotspur.com) (Spurs Web). The Under-21s returned to the top of the PL2 table with a win over Leicester (TottenhamHotspur.com). On a tougher note, the women's team suffered a heavy defeat as Chelsea put six past Spurs in the Women's Super League (BBC Sport).
On the transfer front, Spurs Web report that Tottenham could look to repeat their successful swoop for Lucas Bergvall by targeting another promising Swedish midfielder (Spurs Web), while Juventus are said to be keen on taking a third Tottenham player on loan in January, with interest in Bergvall reportedly heating up despite his new contract (Spurs Web). Arsenal and Liverpool have also reportedly joined Spurs in the race for Brentford's Kevin Schade, valued at around £60million (Spurs Web). There was also reflection on a potential transfer regret, with suggestions that Tottenham may have let a future star slip through their fingers for the same fee as Ashley Phillips (Spurs Web).
Finally, former Spurs youngsters have been in the news elsewhere: Dane Scarlett scored his first goal since leaving for Leyton Orient (Spurs Web), while ex-Tottenham man Giovani Lo Celso saw a spectacular strike for Real Betis against Barcelona controversially ruled out by VAR (Spurs Web). Supporters can also check out the club's official half-term activities taking place this October (TottenhamHotspur.com).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.