Returning stars provide defensive and midfield options
Tottenham are set to receive a timely boost with the return of Tosin Adarabioyo and Rodrigo Bentancur for their upcoming clash against Leeds United. Tosin, a summer arrival from Chelsea, has been sidelined with a calf issue after making an impressive first start against Coventry.
His return provides much-needed stability to the backline after he missed the recent fixtures against Crystal Palace and his former club. The defender’s physical presence will be vital as Spurs look to maintain their recent upward trajectory in the Premier League standings. Joining him in the squad is Rodrigo Bentancur, who has successfully completed his three-match suspension for violent conduct. The Uruguayan midfielder had been out of action since a controversial incident involving Luke Shaw during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in October.
His availability offers De Zerbi more tactical flexibility in the middle of the park, especially given the ongoing absences elsewhere in the squad. “Savio, Bergvall, Mudryk (are out),” Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi said at his pre-Leeds press conference on Friday. "Tosin is available, yesterday he came inside with the group," he said.
Lengthy absences for Bergvall, Savio, and Mudryk
Despite the positive news regarding Tosin and Bentancur, the North London side remains hampered by several significant injuries. Lucas Bergvall continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained at Old Trafford and will not be seen in action until after the November international break. Similarly, Brazilian winger Savio remains unavailable despite being spotted at the training ground this week. The former Manchester City man is still recovering from a muscular problem that has restricted his impact since arriving at the club, leaving Spurs thin on the flanks for the trip to Yorkshire.
Mykhailo Mudryk is another frustrating case for the Tottenham medical staff, with the Chelsea loanee managing only a single substitute appearance before being sidelined. An ankle injury suffered in training has kept the Ukrainian international out of the squad since early September, delaying his opportunity to prove his worth under De Zerbi. The manager remains focused on the collective strength of his available players, noting that "We are a team. A strong team” in a message regarding squad unity.
Long-term recovery goals for Odobert and Simons
Getty ImagesLooking further ahead, the long-term injury list at Hotspur Way is starting to show signs of movement. Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are both working their way back from serious anterior cruciate ligament injuries suffered during the previous campaign. While Odobert is not expected to rejoin first-team training until the Christmas period, the news regarding Simons is considerably more optimistic. Recent reports suggest the Dutch international could be back working with his team-mates by late November, which would represent a significantly accelerated recovery timeline for the highly-rated youngster.
If Simons continues his current progress, he could potentially feature in competitive action by late December, providing a major second-half boost for the club's European ambitions. For now, the focus remains firmly on the immediate task at Elland Road, a venue that always presents a unique challenge for visiting teams. De Zerbi remains wary of the difficulty his side faces, stating that "Tomorrow is another type of test" during his final media briefing.
