Tottenham boss Igor Tudor hopes for key injury boosts in the relegation fight as his side prepare for a crucial clash with Nottingham Forest.
TOTTENHAM Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor is hoping for positive injury news to aid the club’s Premier League survival bid ahead of Sunday’s pivotal relegation clash with Nottingham Forest.
Spurs remain just one point above the drop zone, with Forest and West Ham United breathing down their necks. Tudor revealed creative midfielder James Maddison, yet to feature this season due to a knee injury, could return before the campaign ends.
Winger Mohammed Kudus is also progressing well and is set to be available after the upcoming international break. “Maddison is already doing interesting things as well,” Tudor told reporters. “With the ball and sprinting as well. I saw him, he is positive.”
The Croatian boss also mentioned Rodrigo Bentancur as another player on the mend. “We hope the medical staff will make us some nice surprises in the next weeks which would be very important to have,” he added.
Forest advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals after a gruelling 120-minute match and penalty shootout on Thursday. Tudor dismissed any notion of a physical advantage for his side, noting Forest coach Vitor Pereira managed his players’ minutes.
Tudor expects to have striker Dominic Solanke available after a minor hip issue, while midfielder Joao Palhinha returned to training on Friday. The club also announced goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo hernia surgery next week, timed to minimise disruption.
Ahead of the must-win fixture, Tottenham fan groups have launched a “Show Up, Sing Up, Stay Up” initiative to generate a fervent atmosphere. The club and several players have shared a statement with the rallying cry “All Together, Always”.
Tudor emphasised the importance of unity, recalling the connection felt during Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid. “I enjoyed feeling the sensation that we are doing good on the pitch but together with them, together with the fans,” he said.
The Sun Malaysia
