James Maddison returns for Tottenham vs Everton as Mudryk faces six to eight weeks out
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that James Maddison is available for the visit of Everton on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The England midfielder has recovered from a shoulder fracture sustained on the opening weekend against Brentford, though the Spurs boss faces a fresh injury blow with Mykhailo Mudryk ruled out for six to eight weeks with an ankle problem.
- Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Kick-off: 5:30pm BST, Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Headline selection: James Maddison returns to the squad
- Key absence: Mykhailo Mudryk (ankle) out six to eight weeks
Confirmed line-ups
No starting line-ups have been confirmed by either club at the time of writing. Below is Tottenham's predicted XI based on the source article.
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1 predicted)
Starting XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Tonali; Savio, Fernandes, Tel; Marmoush
Substitutes: Not stated in source
Selection notes
James Maddison is back in training and available, but De Zerbi refused to confirm whether he will start. The Italian said he is happy to have all players available, describing the selection dilemma as a problem because his decisions are not easy. Savio and Destiny Udogie are fit to face Everton after both were withdrawn on the hour against Nottingham Forest. That withdrawal had already been planned before kick-off as the club managed minor fitness issues. Mykhailo Mudryk is the latest absentee and is expected to miss six to eight weeks after taking a blow to his left ankle in training. De Zerbi called the incident stupid. Mudryk had only just returned to competitive action off the bench against Forest last weekend. Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remain out for the longer term. Dejan Kulusevski is still unavailable after another recovery setback. He had returned to full training last week before suffering what De Zerbi described as a minor issue. Kulusevski has not played for close to 18 months.
What was said
"Maddison, yes (he will be back)"
"I'm happy when all my players are available. It is maybe a problem for me because my decisions are not easy. But I want to manage all players together."
De Zerbi's comments reveal a manager who is pleased to have options but cautious about rushing his creative midfielder back. The phrase "manage all players together" suggests a squad-rotation approach rather than an automatic return to the starting XI for Maddison.
With Mudryk out and Kulusevski still absent, De Zerbi's attacking depth is stretched. The return of Maddison is timely, but the manager's words hint that he may not risk the midfielder from the start.
Injury and availability
- James Maddison: Available again after recovering from a shoulder fracture suffered against Brentford on the opening weekend. Returned to training.
- Savio: Fit after being withdrawn on the hour against Nottingham Forest as a precaution.
- Destiny Udogie: Fit after being withdrawn on the hour against Nottingham Forest as a precaution.
- Mykhailo Mudryk: Expected to miss six to eight weeks after taking a blow to his left ankle in training. De Zerbi called the incident stupid.
- Xavi Simons: Out for the longer term.
- Wilson Odobert: Out for the longer term.
- Dejan Kulusevski: Still unavailable after another recovery setback. Returned to full training last week, then suffered a minor issue. Has not played for close to 18 months.
Why De Zerbi may hold Maddison back
Maddison missed most of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, had a limited pre-season, and now returns from a shoulder problem. Spurs need his craft and control, but they also need him available beyond one afternoon in September. De Zerbi's cautious approach is sensible given the midfielder's recent history.
The predicted 4-2-3-1 shape suggests Bentancur and Tonali will sit deep, with Savio, Fernandes and Tel supporting Marmoush. Maddison could slot into the attacking midfield role if De Zerbi decides he is ready. But with Mudryk out and Kulusevski still absent, De Zerbi may prefer to use Maddison from the bench to manage his minutes.
Mudryk's injury is a particular blow. He had only just started edging back towards relevance after a long absence from competitive football. Now he is out again, likely until after the international break. That leaves Tottenham short in wide areas and increases the pressure on Savio and Tel to deliver.
Udogie's return to fitness is a boost. The left-back offers natural width and allows Spurs to stretch Everton's defence. Savio's availability is equally important after his early-season promise. De Zerbi will need both to provide the service for Marmoush through the middle.
Talking points
- Should James Maddison start against Everton or be eased back from the bench? His injury record suggests caution, but Spurs lack creativity without him.
- Is De Zerbi's squad too thin in wide areas after Mudryk's injury? With Kulusevski also out, Tottenham's attacking options are limited.
- Does the predicted XI reflect De Zerbi's trust in youth? Kinsky, Van Hecke and Tel are all relatively inexperienced at this level.
- How much will Tottenham miss Mudryk's pace? His absence until after the international break could cost Spurs in the coming weeks.
What happens next
Tottenham host Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with kick-off at 5:30pm BST. De Zerbi must decide whether to start Maddison or introduce him from the bench. The result matters for a side still trying to find rhythm and continuity early in the season. After this match, Spurs face a run of fixtures that could shape their campaign. Maddison's fitness will be central to their hopes.
Frequently asked questions
Is James Maddison playing for Tottenham vs Everton?
James Maddison is available for selection after recovering from a shoulder fracture, but De Zerbi has not confirmed whether he will start.
What time is Tottenham vs Everton kick-off?
The match kicks off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
How long is Mykhailo Mudryk out for?
Mykhailo Mudryk is expected to miss six to eight weeks after taking a blow to his left ankle in training.
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