Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has offered clarity on the fitness situations of several key players ahead of the club's upcoming fixture, with new signing Omar Marmoush poised to feature for the first time following his loan move from Manchester City.
Marmoush's arrival marked Tottenham's eighth capture of an eventful summer transfer window, joining on loan with the deal set to become permanent under specific conditions. The Egyptian forward's potential debut comes on the heels of another new addition, Savio, who impressed in his own first appearance for the club during the Carabao Cup tie against Charlton, netting a goal while also providing an assist.
According to De Zerbi, both Marmoush and Savio are physically ready to be included in the starting lineup, though the manager stressed that final decisions regarding team selection would be made nearer to kickoff. He indicated a willingness to introduce Marmoush early in the contest, drawing comparisons to how Savio and full-back Pedro Porro have been utilized in games so far this season.
"Yes, they are all in the right condition to play. Maybe Kudus can come on the bench. We have to see," De Zerbi explained. "We have to look to understand the beginning or part of the game, like Savio, like Pedro [Porro]. Marmoush is available to play. Maybe also at the beginning of the game."
The update also touched on the recovery of Mohammed Kudus, who has not featured for Tottenham since suffering a significant quad injury back in January. Initial hopes were that the winger would be back in action before the conclusion of last season, but a setback in his rehabilitation process delayed his return further, ruling him out of all pre-season matches. De Zerbi's comments suggest Kudus could now be nearing a comeback, potentially being included among the substitutes.
Elsewhere, James Maddison remains a doubt after sustaining a fractured shoulder in a heavy fall during Tottenham's away defeat to Brentford. De Zerbi described the issue as relatively minor in nature, though uncertainty lingers over the midfielder's immediate availability.
"Maddison has not a big problem. Just pain in his left shoulder. He's working but I don't know if he's available for tomorrow," the head coach said.
De Zerbi has taken a measured approach with Maddison's return to full fitness, even though the England international had already resumed playing towards the tail end of the previous campaign. His minutes were deliberately managed throughout pre-season, and the Tottenham boss has urged supporters to remain patient as the club works to build up the playmaker's match sharpness over time.
"No, with James, I think we have to find the right plan," De Zerbi said. "We have to work consistently for three or four weeks and then he is a different player. He is then a different player on the pitch, outside the pitch, as a personality, as an experience. He's a very positive guy and we are lucky to have James in our team."
With a host of new faces settling in and key figures like Kudus and Maddison working their way back from injury, De Zerbi faces a series of selection decisions as Tottenham look to build momentum in the early stages of the season. The manager's comments suggest a squad in transition but one brimming with fresh options as the campaign progresses.
Based on reporting from standard-football.