Pedro Porro returns for Tottenham but Destiny Udogie misses Chelsea clash

Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea with Pedro Porro back in contention after a month out with a hamstring injury, but Destiny Udogie remains unavailable. Roberto De Zerbi must also cope without Rodrigo Bentancur, who is suspended, as Spurs seek consecutive Premier League wins.

  • Fixture: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
  • Venue: Stamford Bridge
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Key return: Pedro Porro available after hamstring injury
  • Key absence: Destiny Udogie (not ready), Rodrigo Bentancur (suspended)
  • Last result: Tottenham 3-1 Coventry (first league win of season)

Predicted Tottenham line-up vs Chelsea

With Porro fit, De Zerbi is expected to name a back four of Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven and Andy Robertson. Antonin Kinsky continues in goal. Archie Gray, Sandro Tonali and Conor Gallagher form the midfield, with Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush up front.

Predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Gray, Tonali, Gallagher; Kudus, Solanke, Marmoush.

Injury and availability

  • Pedro Porro: Available after hamstring injury; in contention to start or feature from bench.
  • Destiny Udogie: Unavailable; De Zerbi confirmed he is not ready after not working with him since Manchester United.
  • Lucas Bergvall: Sidelined with a knee problem.
  • Savio: Unavailable with a muscle injury.
  • Wilson Odobert: Progressing but not close to involvement.
  • Xavi Simons: Progressing but not close to involvement.
  • Mykhailo Mudryk: Expected back soon from an ankle injury but ineligible against parent club Chelsea.
  • Rodrigo Bentancur: Suspended (second of three matches) after red card vs Manchester United.
  • Tosin Adarabioyo, Andy Robertson, Omar Marmoush: All expected to be fit after coming off against Coventry.
  • James Maddison: Made first competitive start since May 2025 vs Coventry; not guaranteed to feature.
  • Dejan Kulusevski: Returned from bench vs Coventry for first appearance in nearly 18 months; not guaranteed to feature.

What was said

"With the medical staff, we are trying to find the best way for him. But after Manchester United, I have not worked with him, and it is a problem. We are lucky because in the same position we have solutions."

— Roberto De Zerbi on Destiny Udogie

De Zerbi's comments underline the reality: Udogie is not fit, and Tottenham are adapting. The head coach is relying on his squad's versatility, with Andy Robertson likely to continue at left-back. Porro's return provides a natural attacking outlet on the right, but the left side remains a concern.

Analysis: Porro's return gives Spurs balance but Udogie's absence limits width

Pedro Porro's availability is a significant boost. The right-back offers carry, overlap and delivery, helping pin Chelsea back. If he starts, Spurs regain a first-choice full-back; if he only makes the bench, squad depth improves. Either way, it is a rare positive for De Zerbi.

On the opposite flank, Destiny Udogie's absence is a blow. Without him, Spurs lack natural width on the left, and Robertson—typically a right-back—may fill in. That unbalances the defence and limits attacking overlap. De Zerbi's midfield also suffers without Rodrigo Bentancur, suspended after his red card for headbutting Luke Shaw. The Uruguayan's control and positioning are missed, leaving Archie Gray, Sandro Tonali and Conor Gallagher to provide energy and structure rather than fluency.

Up front, Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush must exploit Chelsea's defence. Marmoush's fitness is a relief; he was pictured in training and is expected to feature. Spurs need his direct running and finishing to ease the burden on Solanke. The midfield battle will be crucial at Stamford Bridge, and without Bentancur, Tottenham may struggle to dictate play.

Talking points

  • Should Porro start or be eased back from the bench? Starting him immediately risks re-injury, but Spurs need his attacking thrust from the off.
  • Is Robertson the right choice at left-back, or should De Zerbi turn to a natural left-footer? The imbalance could be exposed by Chelsea's wingers.
  • Without Bentancur, can Gray, Tonali and Gallagher provide enough control? Their energy is undeniable, but positional discipline may be lacking.
  • Was the Coventry win a turning point or a false dawn? Chelsea away is a far tougher test of Spurs' revival.

What happens next

Tottenham face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, then host Aston Villa. De Zerbi must decide whether to risk Porro from the start or use him as an impact substitute. With Udogie and Bentancur out, Spurs need a disciplined display to avoid another setback. The result will show whether the Coventry win was a genuine step forward.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pedro Porro fit to start for Tottenham vs Chelsea?

Porro is in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury, but De Zerbi may opt to bench him initially.

Why is Destiny Udogie not playing against Chelsea?

Udogie remains unavailable as he is not fully fit; De Zerbi confirmed he has not worked with him since the Manchester United match.

Who is suspended for Tottenham vs Chelsea?

Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended for the second of three matches after his red card against Manchester United.

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