Tottenham vs Everton: James Maddison Returns as Roberto De Zerbi Juggles Injury Concerns

Tottenham have James Maddison back. That is the headline, and for a side still trying to find rhythm and continuity early in the season, it matters.

Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the England midfielder is available again ahead of Everton’s visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Maddison has returned to training after recovering from the shoulder fracture he suffered on the opening weekend against Brentford. Whether he starts is another matter.

De Zerbi was clear enough when asked about his availability. “Maddison, yes (he will be back),” Spurs boss De Zerbi said. On the prospect of him starting, he added: “I’m happy when all my players are available. It is maybe a problem for me because my decisions are not easy. But I want to manage all players together.”

James Maddison boost for Tottenham

Tottenham will not rush him. That is sensible. Maddison missed most of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, then had a limited pre-season, and now returns from another setback. Spurs need his craft and control, though they also need him available beyond one afternoon in September.

The broader picture remains mixed. Savio and Destiny Udogie are fit to face Everton after both were withdrawn on the hour against Nottingham Forest. That decision had already been made before kick-off, with the club managing minor fitness issues.

Tottenham injury update leaves fresh questions

Mykhailo Mudryk is the latest problem. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks after taking a blow to his left ankle in training. De Zerbi called the incident “stupid”, a fair description for an injury that came from an innocuous moment and now leaves Tottenham short in wide areas.

Mudryk had only just started edging back towards relevance after a long absence from competitive football, making his return off the bench against Forest last weekend. Now he is out again, likely until after the international break.

Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remain out for the longer term. Dejan Kulusevski is also still unavailable after another recovery setback. He had returned to full training last week, then suffered what De Zerbi described as a minor issue. The reality is simple, he has not played for close to 18 months and is not yet back with the group.

Predicted Tottenham XI against Everton

Tottenham are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system: Kinsky, Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Tonali, Savio, Fernandes, Tel, Marmoush.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. For Spurs, the key point is straightforward. Maddison is back. Now De Zerbi has to decide how much of him he can use.