Tottenham Team News vs Leeds: Bentancur Back, Bergvall Out, De Zerbi Faces Midfield Call

Tottenham head to Elland Road chasing a fourth straight win, something they have not managed in more than 1,000 days. The headline from Roberto De Zerbi’s latest update is straightforward. Rodrigo Bentancur is back from suspension, Lucas Bergvall is not fit, and the Spurs manager now has a real decision to make in midfield.

Bergvall has been sidelined since the knee injury he suffered against Manchester United at the start of October. Bentancur missed three matches after his late red card in that same game, but he is now available again. In his absence, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have handled the central workload well enough to create a selection issue, which is exactly what De Zerbi wants.

There is more good news at the back. Tosin Adarabioyo is fit again after missing the past two games, while Pedro Porro is expected to be ready to start after making the bench against Crystal Palace. Destiny Udogie is further behind and still needs more time before he can be considered for a return to the starting side.

Bentancur Return Changes Midfield Picture

Bentancur’s availability matters because Tottenham have looked more balanced with energy and control in midfield, but there is still a question over who gives De Zerbi the best blend alongside Tonali. Fernandes has done enough over the last three matches to stay in the conversation, and Bentancur’s return does not automatically settle the issue.

James Maddison should also be back involved after not being risked last time out because of a groin problem picked up in the win over Chelsea. That gives Tottenham more craft between the lines and another reason to believe they can hurt Leeds away from home.

Injury Update on Bergvall, Mudryk and Savio

De Zerbi was clear on the players still unavailable. “Savio, Bergvall, Mudryk [are out]. Tosin is available. Yesterday he came inside of the group,” De Zerbi said.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Savio are both expected back only after the international break. Bergvall remains out, which removes another option in midfield and keeps the load on those currently available.

Positive Recovery Signs for Tottenham Squad

There is better news further down the injury list. Xavi Simons, who has been recovering from an ACL rupture suffered in April, is reportedly into the final stage of rehabilitation and could be back in training later this month. Wilson Odobert is on a slower timeline, but De Zerbi still sounded optimistic. “(He should be back in training) after December,” De Zerbi said. “After Christmas. In January, I think. It is a great thing for us.”

Expected Tottenham XI vs Leeds: Kinsky, Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Andrew Robertson, Bentancur, Tonali, Mohammed Kudus, Maddison, Mathys Tel, Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham injuries: Simons, Odobert, Mudryk, Bergvall, Savio.

Kick-off at Elland Road is 12:30pm GMT on Saturday, November 7.