Maddison and Udogie Fit for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

James Maddison and Destiny Udogie are both fit for Tottenham's clash with Crystal Palace

Tottenham have received a double injury boost ahead of their Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that James Maddison and Destiny Udogie are available for selection, though both have had disrupted training weeks. The match takes place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with three points essential against a Palace side struggling for form.

Match: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace, Premier League
Boost: James Maddison and Destiny Udogie available
Still out: Tosin, Lucas Bergvall, Mykhailo Mudryk, Savio
Palace position: 17th, two league wins
At stake: Three points for a Spurs side seeking consistency

What was said

"James is available."
— Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham head coach

"This week, Maddison didn’t work like other players, but for tomorrow he is available. He is a special player for us. He has unique characteristics."
— Roberto De Zerbi on James Maddison

"He [Udogie] is available."
— Roberto De Zerbi on Destiny Udogie

"He is another problematic player in terms of injuries now because he can’t work consistently during the weeks. After United he didn’t work with us, with the group for a long time and this season is different because we have great medical staff and we are taking the right decision for each player in the right moment and in the right situation."
— Roberto De Zerbi on Destiny Udogie

"Still out [are] Tosin, [Lucas] Bergvall, [Mykhailo] Mudryk. Savio is injured. Everyone else is available."
— Roberto De Zerbi on Tottenham's absentees

De Zerbi’s comments reveal a manager who is pleased to have Maddison back but realistic about his condition. The playmaker has not trained fully, so expectations must be tempered. Udogie’s situation is more concerning: the left-back is fit to feature but cannot maintain consistent weekly training, meaning Spurs will manage his minutes carefully.

Injury and availability

James Maddison: Available, but has not trained like other players this week. Returned from ACL injury and shoulder fracture earlier this season.
Destiny Udogie: Available after missing the last two matches with a knee problem. Cannot work consistently during the weeks.
Tosin: Still out.
Lucas Bergvall: Still out with a knee injury.
Mykhailo Mudryk: Still out, absent since early September with an ankle problem.
Savio: Injured with a muscular issue.
Everyone else: Available per De Zerbi.

Maddison’s crucial role in Tottenham’s attack

James Maddison is Tottenham’s most creative midfielder, capable of unlocking defences with a pass or a dribble. His start in the 2-0 win over Chelsea came sooner than expected after his managed return. He scored on his first competitive start since May 2025 against Coventry, then started again at Stamford Bridge. However, he came off shortly after half-time with what looked like a groin issue, highlighting the fragility that has plagued his season.

Now, with no fresh setback, Maddison can be involved against Palace. Spurs have lacked guile between the lines, and his presence, even from the bench, gives De Zerbi a genuine game-changer. Against a Palace side low on confidence, Maddison’s craft could be the difference in breaking down a deep block.

Udogie’s return eases left-back concerns

Destiny Udogie has been a key player for Tottenham, offering pace and overlapping runs from left-back. His knee problem has kept him out of the last two matches, forcing De Zerbi to improvise. Udogie’s availability is a welcome relief, but his lack of consistent training means he may not be ready for 90 minutes. The Italian will likely be used cautiously, perhaps as a substitute or with a planned early exit.

De Zerbi’s admission that Udogie is “another problematic player in terms of injuries” underlines the ongoing challenge. Tottenham’s medical staff are managing his workload carefully, and fans should expect a measured approach rather than a full return.

Palace’s troubles offer Spurs a chance

Crystal Palace arrive at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in poor form under manager Pierre Sage. They sit 17th in the table with only two league wins and have struggled for momentum. Their midweek 1-0 Carabao Cup win at Fulham, sealed by Eddie Nketiah, provided brief respite, but the broader picture remains bleak. Palace are short on confidence, and Tottenham must capitalise.

With Maddison and Udogie back, De Zerbi has fewer excuses. At home, against a struggling side, three points are non-negotiable. Tottenham still have injury problems, but the availability of two key players gives them the quality needed to secure a vital win.

Talking points

Should Maddison start or come off the bench? His lack of training suggests a substitute role, but Spurs need his creativity from the off.
Udogie’s recurring fitness issues raise questions about his long-term reliability, and Spurs may need to sign cover in January.
Palace are there for the taking, but Tottenham’s inconsistency means nothing is guaranteed. A win is essential to build momentum.
De Zerbi’s handling of injured players has been cautious, but with pressure mounting, he may need to take risks.

What happens next

Tottenham face Crystal Palace at home, and a win would lift them up the table and ease pressure on De Zerbi. Palace, meanwhile, will look to build on their Carabao Cup win and climb away from the relegation zone. Both managers have injury concerns, but Spurs’ squad depth and home advantage make them favourites.