James Maddison has won seven caps for England
By
Paul Battison
BBC Sport Journalist
- Published1 minute ago
Tottenhammidfielder James Maddison is available to faceCrystal Palaceon Saturday despite an injury scare last week, manager Roberto De Zerbi says.
The 29-year-old England international limped off in the 51st minute ofSpurs' 2-0 victory at Chelsea.
It sparked worries about Maddison's fitness, after he missed the majority of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Maddison then fractured his shoulder inTottenham's opening weekend defeat atBrentfordthis season, before returning to the starting line-up earlier this month when he scored a spectacular goal in a3-1 win against Coventry.
When asked about Maddison's condition, De Zerbi said he will be "available" for the visit of Palace.
"This week he didn't work like the other players, but for tomorrow he is available and he is a special player for us," said De Zerbi.
"For James Maddison or the players who are coming from a long injury, they have to work more than the other players, but he has already four or five weeks - he is working very hard and consistently.
"So, I think it's not a problem if he loses two days [training], but then we have to analyse if we take the risk or not."
Tottenhamhave beatenCoventryandChelseasince Maddison's return to the starting line-up, with the club 14th in the Premier League after climbing out of the relegation zone.
Maddison joinedTottenhamfrom Leicester City in 2023 on a five-year contract in a deal worth £40m.
He's scored 17 goals and provided 21 assists in 85 appearances for the north London club.
