Premier League news: Spurs’ nine injuries ‘normal’, says De Zerbi; ‘emotional control’ keeps Blues red-free

• 1. ‘Big confidence’ in Tottenham’s injury team Roberto De Zerbi has insisted Tottenham’s medical staff bears no responsibility for the numerous selection issues he faces against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday where his club will attempt to win for only the second time in 42 matches in all competitions.The head coach has been boosted by the return of Pedro Porro from injury while he reported that Andy Robertson, Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke were “good” in light of fitness concerns. De Zerbi had bad news elsewhere, however, saying Destiny Udogie was still out and Tosin Adarabioyo was a doubt.James Maddison did not train for three days after the home win over Coventry on Monday and may not be ready, while caution will remain the watchword with Dejan Kulusevski, who played his first minutes since May 2025 against Frank Lampard’s side. De Zerbi could be without nine players due to injury when the longer-term absentees are factored in, including Lucas Bergvall and Savio. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended.Spurs appointed a new performance director last season in Dan Lewindon and he oversaw a clutch of new hires in the performance department in July. De Zerbi made the point that the club would make a “total report” on injuries at the end of the season but “so far we can’t say anything bad about the medical staff”.“I am convinced our medical staff this season is high level. I have big confidence because I know how they are working and they are good enough to believe in. We are suffering a normal situation in football.”De Zerbi went into detail on the cases of Porro, Bergvall and Robertson to reinforce his argument. “Pedro won the World Cup with Spain,” he said. “Maybe with the head or body he didn’t recover enough to start this season without a pre-season. He already suffered in the World Cup the muscular problem of the hamstring. He felt it in training and played anyway against Aston Villa [on 29 September] because he pushed to come back before the right time and he suffered another injury. What is the responsibility of the medical staff?“Bergvall turned his knee and felt pain in the first minute against Manchester United [on 10 October]. He finished the game and the day after he felt pain. What is the responsibility of the medical staff? Nothing. Robertson played four games in a row for Scotland [during the recent international window] and after that felt a small problem and did not play in Manchester. He played 65 minutes against Coventry and was fatigued. It’s normal fatigue for a player who played [so much].”On Spurs’s terrible record at Stamford Bridge, De Zerbi said: “What is the problem? We didn’t play in the past for Tottenham and I was not the Tottenham coach in the last seasons. We have already many problems and this is not a problem.” David Hytner

2. Alonso: ‘We keep calm, don’t lose our heads’

Xabi Alonso has said greater emotional control is behind the improvement of Chelsea’s disciplinary record, one that saw them picked up 11 red cards last season.

Alonso focused on the problem after becoming manager last summer and has been rewarded with better behaviour from his new side. Chelsea, who can expect a feisty encounter when hosting Tottenham on Saturday evening, have not had a red card this season and showed intelligence when they won 2-0 at Everton last weekend.

“For me it comes a lot with emotional control, with the control of the game,” Alonso said. “If you are focused on what you have to do, you are prepared for what’s going on. Normally you don’t make that many mistakes and don’t overreact to certain situations.

“This is a fundamental part of the game, to have that emotional control. The momentum is coming – we keep calm, I don’t lose my head and I don’t get stupid yellow cards, make stupid penalties.”

Alonso pointed to Chelsea signing more experienced players last summer. “I think it helps,” he said. “Absolutely. It helps for that composure that you need in certain moments. You have players that sometimes, even during the game, they take a step back to see this is happening and now we need to keep focused and calm.”

Stamford Bridge is usually at its loudest when Spurs turn up at a ground where they have not won since 2018. Alonso expects an “electric” atmosphere but admitted that playing with control in the Premier League can be tough when crowds feed off duels and end-to-end football. “It is really difficult,” he said.