Roberto De Zerbi to hand out surprise full Premier League debut in Tottenham vs Coventry

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make two big changes to their starting XI against Coventry City, while Dejan Kulusevski is closing in on a long-awaited return. Roberto De Zerbi suffered two injury blows ahead of Tottenham Hotspur 's Premier League clash against newly promoted Coventry City, with Lucas Bergvall and Savio both ruled out for the next few weeks.

Injured player Injury Potential Return Wilson Odobert Knee November 2026 Xavi Simons Knee 2027 Mykhailo Mudryk Ankle November 2026 Dejan Kulusevski Fitness Soon Pedro Porro Hamstring October 2026 Savio Muscular Unknown Lucas Bergvall Knee October 31st Those absences looked like the only obvious reasons for changes to the side thatdrew 1-1 with Manchester United last weekend, but the Spurs head coach appears to have had a rather different plan in mind. De Zerbi was not particularly revealing about his selection plans during hispre-match press conference.

However, reports have now emerged suggesting that Tottenham could see two significant changes to their starting XI - one that will delight supporters and another that perhaps won't so much. Understandably, De Zerbi has taken a cautious approach with the midfielder, insisting last week thathe needs to 'complete 3/4/5 weeks without any problem'before being ready to start.

MORE SPURS STORIES His response appeared to shift during his latest press conference. Asked whether Maddison could feature from the start, the Spurs head coach said: "Maybe yes [he can start] You need to play many games to reach the best physical condition but there are players able to be important even if they play 10-15-20 minutes and James is one player like this.

Right now he is ready to start the game, but I don't know if we will start with him." However, Tottenham insider 'szyexcl' has just confirmed that Maddison will start against Coventry. james maddison is back in the #thfc starting 11!

The 29-year-old centre-back has made just one substitute appearance in the top flight for Spurs so far, coming on late in the goalless draw against Everton last month. He did, however, start the3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool last month, where he looked decent.

Exc: Tottenham defender Tosin Adarabioyo set for full Premier League debut against Coventry City tonight. Tosin played just five mins of top-flight football since arrival from Chelsea.

Dejan Kulusevski closes in on long-awaited Tottenham return There could be another reason for Tottenham supporters to get excited, as Dejan Kulusevski is all set to return to the matchday squad after more than 500 days out. Kulusevski is expected to be named on the bench against Coventry, although whether he gets any minutes will depend on how the game unfolds.

This could be an ideal opportunity to ease him back into action.