Kulusevski back on bench as Spurs chase first win
Tottenham Hotspur welcome Coventry City to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday 19 October (8pm BST) with Dejan Kulusevski set to return to the bench after more than 500 days out. James Maddison is pushing to start as Spurs seek their first Premier League win of the season.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST, Monday 19 October
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Competition: Premier League
- Headline team news: Dejan Kulusevski returns to the bench after a serious kneecap injury
- Key selection call: James Maddison could start his first Premier League game since April 2025
- At stake: Tottenham are still looking for their first Premier League win of the season
Confirmed line-ups
Neither side's starting XI has been confirmed. The source provides a predicted Tottenham lineup only.
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Fernandes, Tonali; Maddison, Kudus, Marmoush; Solanke
Substitutes: Not stated in source.
Selection notes
Pedro Porro is not ready after the hamstring injury he picked up in the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa, with next weekend's game against Chelsea his target. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended following his red card against Manchester United. Savio and Lucas Bergvall are out injured. Chelsea loanee Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable with an ankle ligament problem, while Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are long-term absentees. Dejan Kulusevski is fit enough for the bench after more than 500 days out following two operations on a serious kneecap injury. James Maddison is a serious candidate to start after impressing off the bench at Old Trafford.
What was said
"Yes, Kulusevski [will be] on the bench. We had a meeting with the medical staff, they gave the okay and it's great news."
De Zerbi's words are deliberately low-key, but the significance is clear. A player who has not featured since May 2025 is finally available, and the medical staff have signed off. For a squad short on creativity, Kulusevski's presence — even as a substitute — changes the options available.
The head coach also faces a decision on Maddison, whose fitness issues have limited him to no Premier League starts since April 2025. A shoulder fracture in the 3-0 opening-weekend loss to Brentford disrupted this season, following knee surgery that wrecked much of the last. His cameo at Old Trafford suggests he is ready to contribute from the start.
Injury and availability
- Pedro Porro: Not ready after hamstring injury vs Aston Villa; targeting Chelsea next weekend.
- Rodrigo Bentancur: Suspended after red card vs Manchester United.
- Savio: Ruled out through injury.
- Lucas Bergvall: Ruled out through injury.
- Mykhailo Mudryk: Unavailable with ankle ligament problem.
- Wilson Odobert: Long-term absentee.
- Xavi Simons: Long-term absentee.
- Dejan Kulusevski: Fit for the bench after kneecap injury; has trained with first team.
Why De Zerbi must start Maddison against Coventry
Tottenham have lacked craft between the lines all season, and James Maddison is the obvious solution. The predicted XI places him in the No 10 role behind Dominic Solanke, with Mohammed Kudus and Omar Marmoush flanking him. That trio offers the guile and directness Spurs have missed, and Maddison's ability to pick a pass in tight areas could unlock a Coventry side likely to sit deep.
The absence of Pedro Porro at right-back means Archie Gray continues in defence, while Joao Palhinha and Sandro Tonali anchor the midfield. Without Rodrigo Bentancur, Tonali's role becomes even more important in controlling tempo. Dejan Kulusevski offers a valuable second-half option, but Spurs cannot afford to wait for his introduction to find rhythm.
Defensively, Guglielmo Vicario continues in goal behind a back four of Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie. The absence of Porro means less attacking width from full-back, placing greater emphasis on the wingers to stretch Coventry. De Zerbi's biggest call remains Maddison; starting him signals intent to break the habit of slow, flat attacking play that has characterised Spurs' start.
Talking points
- Should De Zerbi throw Kulusevski straight into the starting XI, or is a bench role the right call after such a long lay-off?
- Is Maddison's fitness reliable enough to start consecutive games, or is he better used as an impact substitute?
- With Porro out and Bentancur suspended, does Tottenham's midfield have enough steel to control Coventry?
- Can Spurs afford to wait for their first win, or is this a must-win game for De Zerbi?
What happens next
Tottenham face Coventry on Monday night knowing three points are essential to kick-start their season. Victory would lift the mood before a tough trip to Chelsea next weekend, where Porro hopes to return. Defeat would leave Spurs still searching for a first Premier League win and increase the pressure on De Zerbi.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dejan Kulusevski playing for Tottenham vs Coventry?
Kulusevski will be on the bench, according to Roberto De Zerbi, after the medical staff gave the green light following his kneecap injury.
Will James Maddison start for Tottenham vs Coventry?
Maddison is a serious candidate to start after doing well off the bench at Old Trafford, but no final decision has been confirmed.
What time is Tottenham vs Coventry kick-off?
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Monday 19 October at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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