Pedro Porro available for Tottenham vs Aston Villa after injury
Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro is available for the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday. The Spain international missed the last two matches with a muscular issue. Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the boost after Spurs' 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool, as Tottenham still seek their first Premier League goal of the season.
- Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa, Premier League
- Kick-off: Saturday lunchtime
- Venue: North London
- Key return: Pedro Porro available after a muscular issue
- Also back: Mohammed Kudus made his first start since a long-term quad injury at Anfield
- Still waiting: Tottenham have not scored a Premier League goal this season
Injury and availability
Tottenham's squad is strengthened by the returns of Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus, while James Maddison continues his comeback from a long-term injury.
- Pedro Porro: Available for the Aston Villa match after missing the last two games with a muscular issue.
- Mohammed Kudus: Returned to the starting line-up at Liverpool, his first Tottenham start since suffering a long-term quad injury in January.
- James Maddison: Has not started since May 2025 after a cruciate ligament tear, with a shoulder fracture adding to the delay. Has made three substitute appearances this season and is edging closer to full fitness.
What was said
"I believe in my players, I have a big confidence, a big opinion of my players, and when we arrive to find the click, to win a game, I think we enjoy with these players."
"Kudus is another (who is) great news for us, because he can play also as a number 10."
"We can play with Savio, Kudus, (Dominic) Solanke and (Omar) Marmoush."
"Maddison is for sure a different player, a special player. But he has to be fit, he has to be in the right physical condition, because the Premier League intensity, even tonight, is incredible. And then we can play with eight attackers."
De Zerbi's comments reveal a manager who trusts his players despite a difficult start. The return of Porro and Kudus gives him more tools to implement his attacking vision, which he believes can include as many as eight attackers. Maddison remains key but needs to reach full match fitness before he can be fully unleashed.
Why De Zerbi's attacking blueprint hinges on Porro and Kudus
Pedro Porro's return is crucial. As an attacking full-back who plays like an extra winger, he provides width and thrust — exactly what De Zerbi demands from his full-backs. With Tottenham struggling for goals, Porro's ability to overlap and deliver will help create chances for the likes of Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush. His presence also allows the wide forwards to drift inside more freely.
Mohammed Kudus adds another dimension. His ability to play as a number 10 means De Zerbi can switch between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 seamlessly. The manager mentioned Savio, Kudus, Solanke and Marmoush as a possible front four, suggesting a fluid attack that can overwhelm opponents. Kudus's dribbling and creativity will be vital in breaking down a disciplined Aston Villa defence.
James Maddison, when fully fit, would complete the puzzle. His vision and set-piece delivery are unmatched in the squad, but De Zerbi is cautious. The manager knows the Premier League's intensity requires peak physical condition. Until then, Maddison will continue to build minutes from the bench, with his manager calling him a "different player" and "special" — high praise that underscores his importance.
Talking points
- Should De Zerbi start Pedro Porro immediately or ease him back after a muscular issue?
- Is Mohammed Kudus better as a number 10 or a winger in this Tottenham system?
- Can Tottenham finally score their first Premier League goal against Aston Villa?
- Will James Maddison's return solve Spurs' creativity problems, or is he still weeks away from full sharpness?
What happens next
Tottenham host Aston Villa in a Saturday lunchtime Premier League fixture in north London. Three points are vital to kickstart their season and end their goal drought. De Zerbi will hope Porro and Kudus provide the spark, while Maddison's fitness remains a key subplot. Victory would ease pressure and validate the manager's attacking philosophy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pedro Porro playing for Tottenham vs Aston Villa?
Yes, Pedro Porro is available for the visit of Aston Villa after missing the last two matches with a muscular issue.
Is Mohammed Kudus starting for Tottenham?
Mohammed Kudus returned to the starting line-up at Liverpool, his first Tottenham start since a long-term quad injury in January, and is expected to be involved against Aston Villa.
When will James Maddison return for Tottenham?
James Maddison has not started since May 2025 after a cruciate ligament tear and a shoulder fracture, but he has made three substitute appearances this season and is edging closer to full fitness.
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