Maddison Fit for Crystal Palace Clash, Says Spurs Boss De Zerbi

Maddison available for Crystal Palace despite injury scare

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison is fit to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed. The 29-year-old England international limped off in the 51st minute of Spurs' 2-0 win at Chelsea last week, raising fears over his fitness after a serious injury history.

Fixture: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace, Premier League
Date: Saturday (kick-off time not stated in source)
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (not stated in source but implied home match)
Headline: James Maddison available despite not training fully this week
Key quote: De Zerbi says Maddison is a "special player" but must decide whether to "take the risk"
Context: Spurs are 14th in the Premier League after climbing out of the relegation zone

Injury and availability

James Maddison is available for selection after limping off at Chelsea. De Zerbi revealed the midfielder did not train like his team-mates this week but is in contention for the Palace game.

The 29-year-old has a concerning injury history. He missed the majority of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and then fractured his shoulder in Tottenham's opening weekend defeat at Brentford this season.

He returned to the starting line-up earlier this month and scored a spectacular goal in a 3-1 win against Coventry. He then started the 2-0 victory at Chelsea but was withdrawn early.

What was said

"This week he didn't work like the other players, but for tomorrow he is available and he is a special player for us."
— Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham manager

"For James Maddison or the players who are coming from a long injury, they have to work more than the other players, but he has already four or five weeks - he is working very hard and consistently."
— De Zerbi on Maddison's fitness

"So, I think it's not a problem if he loses two days [training], but then we have to analyse if we take the risk or not."
— De Zerbi on the decision to play Maddison

De Zerbi's comments reveal a careful balancing act. He clearly values Maddison's contribution — calling him a "special player" — but is wary of overloading a player who has had serious injury setbacks.

The phrase "take the risk" suggests Maddison may not be fully fit and could be used cautiously, perhaps from the bench or with a planned substitution.

The numbers

Age: 29
Joined Tottenham: 2023 from Leicester City
Contract: Five-year deal
Transfer fee: £40m
Appearances for Spurs: 85
Goals: 17
Assists: 21

Deal details

Maddison joined Tottenham from Leicester City in 2023 on a five-year contract for a fee worth £40m. He has since scored 17 goals and provided 21 assists in 85 appearances for the north London club.

Why De Zerbi must manage Maddison carefully

James Maddison is Tottenham's creative hub, and Roberto De Zerbi knows it. The manager's reluctance to commit fully to starting him against Palace is understandable given the player's recent history. Maddison missed most of last season with an ACL injury and then fractured his shoulder in the opening weekend defeat at Brentford. That is two significant setbacks in quick succession.

Since returning to the starting line-up, Spurs have beaten Coventry 3-1 and Chelsea 2-0. Maddison scored a spectacular goal against Coventry and was instrumental in the Chelsea win before his early exit. His presence clearly lifts the team. But De Zerbi's comment that Maddison "didn't work like the other players" this week suggests the midfielder is not at peak condition.

The likely scenario is that Maddison starts on the bench or plays a limited role, with De Zerbi saving him for the busy festive period. Tottenham are 14th in the Premier League after climbing out of the relegation zone, and they need their best players available. But rushing Maddison back could risk another long-term absence. De Zerbi's measured approach is sensible.

Talking points

Should De Zerbi risk starting Maddison against Palace, or is a bench role the smarter move given his injury history?
Tottenham have won both games since Maddison returned to the XI — does that prove his importance or is it coincidence?
Is Maddison's injury record a concern for the rest of the season, and should Spurs look for cover in January?
De Zerbi says Maddison is a "special player" — but at 29 and with his fitness issues, how long can Spurs rely on him as the main creator?

What happens next

Tottenham host Crystal Palace on Saturday. De Zerbi will decide whether to start Maddison or use him from the bench after assessing his fitness. Three points would lift Spurs further away from the relegation zone and ease pressure on the manager. Maddison's involvement — and his ability to come through unscathed — will be a key subplot.