Roberto De Zerbi has warned Tottenham that they cannot afford to relax in their fight for Premier League survival ahead of Tuesday's crucial trip to Chelsea. Spurs need just one point from their final two matches to avoid relegation, following West Ham's defeat at Newcastle on Sunday, which left them two points behind with an inferior goal difference.
“We can’t forget one month ago what was the situation. We are not safe yet,” De Zerbi said. “It is not correct if I answer you now. Before answering your question, we have to make a point in the Premier League and especially in the Premier League to make one point, you have to fight and play very well.”
De Zerbi faces a decision over his starting goalkeeper. First-choice Guglielmo Vicario has returned to training after hernia surgery, but Antonin Kinsky has impressed since his recall. “Vicario is available to play. I decide tomorrow,” De Zerbi said. “It’s easy. Yes, Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the momentum, everything.”
Dominic Solanke will miss the match with a hamstring injury, while James Maddison, who made his first competitive appearance in over a year against Leeds, is not yet ready to play 90 minutes. “At the beginning of this week, he didn’t work for a small problem, but yesterday and today, James is working very well,” De Zerbi added.
De Zerbi acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Stamford Bridge, where Spurs have won just once in 35 league meetings. He also praised injured captain Cristian Romero, who has resumed individual training, but refused to discuss his future. “It is a good question but it is the wrong timing,” he said.
