Tottenham Round-Up, Thursday 29th October: Injury News Dominates Ahead of Crystal Palace Clash as De Zerbi Awaits Returns
There's plenty to get through on the injury front as Spurs prepare for Saturday's London derby against Crystal Palace. James Maddison remains a major doubt after being forced off against Chelsea with a groin issue, with the club still awaiting a proper timeline for his recovery (Evening Standard) (Football.London). The Evening Standard reports that Roberto De Zerbi will at least be boosted by the anticipated returns of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Tosin Adarabioyo, while Mykhailo Mudryk continues his own recovery (Evening Standard). TeamTalk add that De Zerbi has a double boost amid updates on seven injured Tottenham stars, with Maddison having originally been a doubt before starting and then going off against Chelsea (TeamTalk). Football.London say six Tottenham players are guaranteed to miss out against Palace through injury or suspension, though there is a potential double boost elsewhere in the squad (Football.London). Spurs Web have put together their predicted XI for the Palace game, with De Zerbi having to find a replacement for Maddison (Spurs Web).
Looking ahead to the weekend, Spurs Web have all the details on how to watch the Palace match, including kick-off time and a prediction, as Tottenham look to close the gap to the top four in another London derby (Spurs Web). The match officials have also been confirmed, with Spurs Web noting the referee has shown Tottenham six red cards in the past (Spurs Web). Tottenham.com have shared a gallery showing preparations intensifying at the training ground ahead of the game (TottenhamHotspur.com), while their FPL team have published a Gameweek 9 preview for fantasy managers (TottenhamHotspur.com).
There's been plenty of reflection on Tottenham's current form too. The Guardian note that Spurs endured an awful start to the season but have now taken off following last weekend's impressive win at Chelsea, with the piece asking just how far up the table De Zerbi's side can go (The Guardian). Spurs Web have highlighted seven stats suggesting Tottenham are ready to explode, with only one team in the league managing more possession this season (Spurs Web). They've also pointed to passing-under-pressure numbers for Mateus Fernandes, suggesting the 22-year-old could be the new Mousa Dembele in De Zerbi's midfield (Spurs Web). Elsewhere, Spurs Web have looked at some unusual fixture data regarding Tottenham's next ten games and why the club must take advantage of a kind run (Spurs Web). Former boss Harry Redknapp has predicted Tottenham will finish in the top six following the win at Chelsea (Spurs Web), while Steven Gerrard has made the bold claim that Spurs are just two signings away from being in the Premier League title race (Spurs Web).
On the transfer front, Spurs Web report that Tottenham are among several Premier League clubs keeping an eye on a young La Liga striker who has scored 12 goals in 22 international matches (Spurs Web). TeamTalk say Arsenal and Tottenham have both ramped up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen attacking talent Ibrahim Maza, though PSG have now entered the race as well (TeamTalk). Spurs Web also report interest in one of the most in-form strikers in Europe after he's scored eight goals in his last ten games (Spurs Web), and suggest a potential £67m double raid on Club Brugge for two of their attacking players could be on the cards for January (Spurs Web). On a related note, Spurs Web explain why Arsenal's cup defeat to Fleetwood could actually make life harder for Tottenham in the January market for one of their targets (Spurs Web).
There's been a look back at transfer history too, with former manager Harry Redknapp recalling an £18million deal for Eden Hazard that fell through, which he has put down to Daniel Levy (Spurs Web) (Football.London). Redknapp also discussed other big names who nearly signed for Spurs during his time in charge, including players now associated with Chelsea and Arsenal (Football.London).
Harry Kane remains a popular topic. GiveMeSport have looked into the truth behind reports of a Ballon d'Or clause in Kane's £100million move to Bayern Munich back in 2023 (GiveMeSport), while Spurs Web report that Tottenham are set to miss out on a Ballon d'Or bonus payment due to a reported Daniel Levy blunder (Spurs Web). Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has also commented on Kane's contract situation amid the clause rumours, saying he is "very optimistic" (Spurs Web). Former teammate Hugo Lloris has penned a touching 330-word tribute to Kane following his Ballon d'Or triumph (Spurs Web), while Cristian Romero has spoken glowingly about an "incredible" former Tottenham teammate he believes can reach the very top, as covered by both Spurs Web and Football.London (Spurs Web) (Football.London).
In loan and academy news, Mikey Moore featured for most of Koln's thumping 5-0 DFB Pokal win on Wednesday, though German media felt he lacked assertiveness in the performance (Spurs Web). Spurs Web also report that some at the club believe they may already have their next Harry Kane coming through the academy, according to leading scouts (Spurs Web). Xavi Simons has teased supporters with another video update showing just how close he is to a return from his ACL injury (Spurs Web).
Away from the first team, Ben Davies has opened up on his plans for retirement, with Tottenham reportedly looking at a new contract for the defender (Spurs Web). On the women's side, Tottenham.com have confirmed a new deal for Amanda Nildén (TottenhamHotspur.com), while Football.London report on the Swedish star signing fresh terms and expressing her excitement for what's to come (Football.London). Finally, Tottenham's development squad thrashed Bristol City 6-1 in the Players Cup, with Martin Ho giving his verdict on the performance (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.