Tottenham to Include Injured Kulusevski and Porro in Man United Trip

Tottenham will take Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro to Old Trafford for Saturday’s meeting with Manchester United, although neither injured player is expected to feature. Their presence is intended to keep them close to the squad as Spurs prepare for a fixture Roberto De Zerbi has had in mind since September’s defeat by Aston Villa.

Kulusevski nearing long-awaited return

Kulusevski has been out of competitive action for more than 500 days after suffering a serious patella injury to his right knee near the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. His return has been delayed by several subsequent setbacks, but his rehabilitation has progressed during the international break.

• The Sweden forward recently took part in an 11-versus-11 game involving Tottenham’s academy players.
• He will travel to Manchester with the first-team group, but is making the trip for support rather than selection.
• Porro, also injured, will accompany the squad for the same reason.

De Zerbi said Kulusevski’s response to a difficult spell had made him an important example within the group, praising both his character and the way he has dealt with the repeated frustration of injury.

The Tottenham head coach would not set a date for the attacker’s return, stressing that the decision will be shared with the club’s medical department and assessed on a weekly basis. He said the staff had carried out specialised work with Kulusevski as he moves towards full fitness.

Maddison available despite interrupted week

James Maddison is available for the trip to Manchester, though he has missed several training days across the end of last week and the start of this one. The midfielder has endured his own prolonged injury problems, having not started a Tottenham match for 17 months following consecutive knee issues.

De Zerbi described the latest concern as minor, but cautioned that Maddison needs a sustained period without pain or fitness interruptions before he can be considered fully back to his normal level.

• Maddison can play against United on Saturday.
• He lost between three and four days of work because of the recent issue.
• De Zerbi highlighted the physical demands of the Premier League, particularly for players returning from injury.
• The manager said a run of three, four or five uninterrupted weeks would be important for Maddison’s recovery.

While acknowledging Maddison’s qualities as a No. 10, De Zerbi said the player must be physically ready to run and compete in a league he described as especially demanding.

Van de Ven and Van Hecke cleared for United

Tottenham have received more positive news on Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke. Both players are available despite carrying fitness concerns while away with the Netherlands.

De Zerbi’s attention has been fixed on the United match since Spurs lost 3-2 to Aston Villa on September 19. He said he had wanted the opportunity to respond immediately after that result and has been waiting three weeks for the Old Trafford contest.