James Maddison is pushing to start again as Tottenham take on Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge tonight. The midfielder started and scored on Monday night as Spurs won for the first time in the league this season, beating Coventry City.
It was Maddison's first start in 17 months, which has taken its toll, but he is hoping to line up at Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, Pedro Porro is likely to be on the bench after being sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury sustained during Spurs' 3-2 defeat by Aston Villa.
Porro's recovery and defensive options
The World Cup winner visited a specialist in Spain over the international break to aid his recovery, and De Zerbi said on Friday that the right-back is in contention for a return to the matchday squad. Archie Gray impressed in midfield against Coventry, but will deputise again at right-back.
Having decided not to risk Destiny Udogie against Coventry, De Zerbi has also confirmed his first-choice left-back remains unavailable for selection against Chelsea. Tosin Adarabioyo, Andy Robertson and Omar Marmoush all came off against Coventry with suspected injuries.
Fitness updates and absentees
De Zerbi, though, played down any fears that they had sustained significant blows and all three are expected to be fit and available, with Marmoush also pictured training at Hotspur Way on Thursday. Lucas Bergvall (knee) and Savio (muscle) are still out, while long-term absentees Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are progressing but still some way from a return to match action.
Rodrigo Bentancur, meanwhile, will serve the second game of his three-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester United for headbutting Luke Shaw.
Predicted lineup and match details
Predicted Tottenham XI vs Chelsea: Kinsky, Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson, Maddison, Tonali, Fernandes, Kudus, Solanke, Marmoush.
Injured: Simons, Odobert, Mudryk, Savio, Bergvall, Udogie. Doubts: Tosin, Kulusevski, Maddison. Suspended: Bentancur. The match kicks off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday October 24, 2026, at Stamford Bridge, and will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
