Destiny Udogie: Tottenham star sent advice over 'problematic' injuries after Roberto De Zerbi admission

Ziege advises Udogie to train consistently before returning to action to avoid further injury setbacks, backing De Zerbi's assessment that the defender's recurring knee problems are becoming problematic.

Destiny Udogie returned from a three-week absence to feature off the bench in Tottenham's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, but the 23-year-old left-back continues to struggle with a knee injury sustained in early October against Manchester United. He has been in and out of full-team training, prompting manager Roberto De Zerbi to describe his injury issues as "problematic" and warn that his minutes will remain limited until he can train consistently.

Former Spurs defender Christian Ziege agrees with De Zerbi's cautious approach, telling Standard Sport that Udogie risks compounding his problems if he returns before being fully fit. "If you're not fully fit, it can cause problems, because then you pick up another small, tiny injury," Ziege said. "My advice would always be to get really fit, get ready to play 90 minutes. That's the best thing you can do, otherwise you'll face more setbacks than you deserve."

In Udogie's absence, Andy Robertson has deputised effectively, and Ziege praised Tottenham's left-back options, noting that the experienced Liverpool signing brings Premier League and Champions League pedigree while Udogie offers a more attacking profile.