Tottenham handed James Maddison boost after latest injury scare

Maddison is available for Palace despite limping off against Chelsea; De Zerbi confirmed he will be in the squad after a week of modified training.

James Maddison will be available for Tottenham's visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday, manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed, despite the playmaker limping off in the 51st minute of Spurs' 2-0 win at Chelsea last weekend.

Maddison, who returned from anterior cruciate ligament damage in May, had sparked fresh fitness concerns after the injury scare at Stamford Bridge. However, De Zerbi said the midfielder is fit to play, though he did not train with the full group this week. "James is available," the Spurs boss said. "This week he didn't work like the other players, but for tomorrow he is available and he is a special player for us."

De Zerbi acknowledged that players returning from long-term injuries require extra work and careful management. He also confirmed that full-back Destiny Udogie, who sat out recent wins over Coventry and Chelsea with a knee problem, will be back in the squad for the Palace fixture.