Roberto De Zerbi Faces Key Decisions for Upcoming Matches

Roberto De Zerbi has a decision to make. Several, in fact.

His Egyptian forward, unused in the comeback win over Bournemouth last weekend, is fully fit. De Zerbi made that clear. The question now is not about fitness, but about trust and timing: does he throw him straight into the starting XI, dislodging Richarlison or Dominic Solanke, or keep him as a weapon on the bench?

The attacking puzzle does not end there.

Savio ready for centre stage

Savio has kicked the door down rather than knocked. The Brazilian, signed from City in a deal worth up to £85million earlier in the week, announced himself in north London with a goal and an assist against Charlton in the Carabao Cup second round. One game, two big contributions, and suddenly he is forcing his way into De Zerbi’s Premier League thinking.

He is “in line” to make his full debut, and the manager did nothing to play down that possibility. Savio is available to start. So is the Egyptian. So are others. The front line is crowded, and that is exactly how De Zerbi seems to like it.

Defensive returns – with a warning

At the back, the picture is just as intriguing.

Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both got their first minutes of the season off the bench against Charlton. De Zerbi confirmed that each is in contention to start against Newcastle, a significant boost on paper for a side that has missed their presence and balance in recent months.

But there is a note of caution. Van de Ven has been managing an injury and has a history of muscle problems during his Spurs career. De Zerbi is tempted, but not reckless. The Dutchman is “right to play,” as the head coach put it, yet the staff will weigh up whether starting him is worth the risk at this stage of the campaign.

“Van de Ven is right to play. We have to look, we have to understand the beginning part of the game,” De Zerbi said. “Like Savio, like Pedro, Marmoush is available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game. Robertson is like Udogie. Udogie is a good news for us because Udogie is very important and he played well 60 minutes, like was the plan.”

Destiny Udogie’s return, and his planned 60-minute outing, offers another layer of stability. De Zerbi clearly views him as a cornerstone on that flank.

Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is pushing for a place on the bench, adding yet another attacking option to an already loaded matchday squad.

Managing Maddison

Then there is James Maddison.

Asked if supporters would need to show patience as the 29-year-old tries to string together a consistent run of games, De Zerbi’s answer was measured but firm. The club are working to a plan. The priority is to bring Maddison back in the best possible condition, not to rush him into the intensity of week-in, week-out football just to satisfy the short-term noise.

The picture is clear: De Zerbi suddenly has depth across the pitch, but every choice carries weight. Who starts, who sits, and who is held back for later could define not just a single afternoon against Newcastle, but the rhythm of Spurs’ season from here.