Tottenham Hotspur have received encouraging news ahead of their Premier League showdown with Chelsea, as Pedro Porro returns to contention after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, Destiny Udogie remains unavailable, leaving Roberto De Zerbi with important decisions to make ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Pedro Porro Returns as Spurs Get a Timely Boost

Porro has been sidelined for around a month after suffering a hamstring injury during Tottenham’s 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa. The Spanish defender used the international break to seek specialist treatment in Spain and is now available for selection.

De Zerbi avoided taking any risks with the 26-year-old during Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Coventry City. His return could now provide a significant boost, particularly because of his attacking runs, creativity and ability to deliver dangerous balls from the right flank.

Although a starting place is not guaranteed, Porro’s availability gives Tottenham another valuable option for the London derby.

Udogie Still Out as Injury Concerns Continue

While Porro’s return is positive news, Tottenham will still be without Destiny Udogie for the Chelsea encounter.

The Italian left-back also missed the Coventry game, with De Zerbi admitting that his recovery requires careful management in consultation with the club’s medical staff.

His absence means Spurs must find an alternative at left-back for another challenging Premier League fixture.

There is more encouraging news regarding Tosin Adarabioyo, Andy Robertson and Omar Marmoush, who are expected to be available despite concerns following the Coventry match. Marmoush has also been seen in training, suggesting his problem may not be serious.

Tottenham Still Have Several Players Missing

Despite Porro’s return, Tottenham continue to deal with a number of injury problems.

Lucas Bergvall remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Savio is expected to miss out because of a muscular issue. Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are progressing in their recoveries but are not yet ready to return.

Mykhailo Mudryk is also working towards recovering from an ankle injury, although he would be ineligible to face Chelsea because of his parent-club status.

De Zerbi must also carefully manage James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Maddison made his first competitive start since May 2025 against Coventry, while Kulusevski returned as a substitute after almost 18 months out.

Both players completed their comebacks without reported setbacks, but their involvement against Chelsea will depend on their fitness.

Bentancur Suspension Adds to De Zerbi’s Problems

Tottenham will also be without Rodrigo Bentancur, who is serving the second game of his three-match suspension following his red card against Manchester United.

His absence creates another midfield headache for De Zerbi, who will need his available players to provide defensive protection while helping Spurs control possession and create chances.

Against a Chelsea side capable of exploiting spaces between the lines, Tottenham will need a disciplined midfield performance.

Predicted Tottenham Starting XI vs Chelsea

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Andy Robertson

Midfielders: Archie Gray, Sandro Tonali, Conor Gallagher

Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush

Porro’s fitness could play a major role in determining Tottenham’s defensive setup, while De Zerbi must decide how much responsibility to give players returning from lengthy injury absences.

Spurs Face a Huge Test at Stamford Bridge

Tottenham’s victory over Coventry provided some relief after their difficult start to the campaign, but facing Chelsea presents a much tougher challenge.

Porro’s return is a welcome boost, although Udogie’s absence and Bentancur’s suspension remain significant concerns.

De Zerbi will be hoping to build on the Coventry victory while finding the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking threat.

The big question now is whether Tottenham can turn their latest win into the beginning of a genuine revival against their London rivals.