Roberto De Zerbi confirms triple boost as Tonali and Porro return for Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Sandro Tonali, Pedro Porro and James Maddison are all available for the Premier League clash with Aston Villa. The news comes as Spurs seek their first league win of the season after four matches without one.

  • Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa, Premier League
  • Major boosts: Sandro Tonali, Pedro Porro and James Maddison are all available to play.
  • Still out: Dejan Kulusevski remains a long-term absentee, along with Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Mykhailo Mudryk.
  • What's at stake: Tottenham are still waiting for a first Premier League win of the season and sit without a victory after four league games.

What was said

"Porro, Tonali, and [James] Maddison are all available to play. Normally, we have to understand the situation, but all of them are ready."

— Roberto De Zerbi, confirming his squad options for the Aston Villa match

"Listen, James is working with the team the last 10, 15 days, maybe less than 15 days. And even if he is a technical player, he needs to be fit, to stay in a good condition. When he arrives to the best condition, it's very important for us. As a personality, as a characteristic, as a quality, as an experience. The quality of his passes are different than the others."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on James Maddison's fitness and importance

"We have to manage Deki in the best way we can, but this is a great thing for us because he is a good player and a good guy. He deserves to play again and we have to work day by day. Also for Deki the [international] break is important because when he is at top condition and over the injury, he will be like another new signing."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on Dejan Kulusevski's recovery

De Zerbi's update provides welcome relief for a squad that has been stretched in recent weeks. The return of Tonali and Porro in particular gives Tottenham a more familiar spine, while Maddison's availability is a significant creative boost even if his match sharpness remains under review. The head coach's comments on Kulusevski underline that the Sweden international is still some way from a return, despite being back in first-team training.

Injury and availability

  • Sandro Tonali: Available again after missing the 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool with a "minor knock". Has featured in every Premier League game this season but full sharpness has been an ongoing issue.
  • Pedro Porro: Back in contention after missing the past two matches with a muscular problem. The vice-captain provides drive from wide areas.
  • James Maddison: Available, but still building fitness after working with the team for 10-15 days. De Zerbi stressed that training and Premier League intensity are not the same.
  • Dejan Kulusevski: Returned to first-team training but nowhere near match action after a serious and lengthy knee problem. The international break is seen as important for his recovery.
  • Xavi Simons: Out long term.
  • Wilson Odobert: Out long term.
  • Mykhailo Mudryk: Sidelined until after the international break with an ankle issue.

Why Tonali and Porro transform Tottenham's spine

Tottenham have lacked control and rhythm in their opening four league fixtures, and the absence of Sandro Tonali and Pedro Porro has been a major factor. Tonali gives Spurs presence in midfield, while Porro offers thrust from right-back or right wing-back. Without them, De Zerbi's side have struggled to dictate tempo and create consistent chances.

The return of James Maddison adds another dimension, but De Zerbi's caution is telling. The playmaker's passing quality is unmatched in the squad, yet his lack of match sharpness means he may be used sparingly. Expect Maddison to start on the bench or play a limited role, with Tonali and Porro more likely to slot straight back into the starting XI.

Up front, Tottenham must find a way to convert possession into goals. The midfield trio of Tonali, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr could provide the platform for the front three to flourish. Porro's overlapping runs will stretch Aston Villa's defence, creating space for the likes of Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski — though the latter remains unavailable. For now, De Zerbi will hope his returning stars can inspire a first league win.

Talking points

  • Should Maddison start against Aston Villa despite his lack of match fitness, or is he better as an impact substitute?
  • Does Tonali's return solve Tottenham's midfield control issues, or is he still short of full sharpness after his £100 million move?
  • With Porro back, will De Zerbi revert to a back four or continue with a wing-back system?
  • How much will Tottenham miss Kulusevski's creativity in the coming weeks, and can Maddison fill that void?

What happens next

Tottenham host Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend. A win is imperative to kick-start their season and ease the pressure on De Zerbi. After the international break, Spurs will hope to welcome back Mudryk and potentially Kulusevski, but for now, all eyes are on whether Tonali, Porro and Maddison can deliver the spark.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandro Tonali fit to play against Aston Villa?

Yes, De Zerbi confirmed that Tonali is available to play after missing the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool with a minor knock.

Will Pedro Porro start for Tottenham vs Aston Villa?

Porro is back in contention after a muscular problem, and De Zerbi said he is available to play. Whether he starts will be decided closer to kick-off.

Is James Maddison ready to start for Spurs?

Maddison is available, but De Zerbi indicated he still needs to build fitness after only 10-15 days training with the squad, so he may not be ready for a full 90 minutes.

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