De Zerbi says Maddison is ready to start, but leaves Tottenham selection open

James Maddison is fit enough to start against Coventry City, Roberto De Zerbi says, but Tottenham’s head coach has not decided whether to put him in the XI. That leaves Spurs with another attacking option as they try to turn around a winless start to the Premier League season.

Asked if Maddison could start, De Zerbi told Football.London: “Maybe yes [he can start]. You need to play many games to reach the best physical condition but there are players able to be important even if they play 10-15-20 minutes and James is one player like this.” De Zerbi has left open the possibility of a shorter appearance as well as a start, making clear that being fit for selection does not mean Maddison is at his best physically.

The 29-year-old has not started a competitive match for Tottenham since April 2025. Spurs Web reports that he has had several minor setbacks in recent weeks while working towards full fitness. Tottenham have had nine days since their match at Old Trafford to prepare for Coventry and give Maddison more time to build up.

The timing matters for a Spurs side bottom of the Premier League with three points from six matches. They have drawn three and lost three, and De Zerbi is looking for answers to the team’s attacking difficulties. Coventry come into Monday’s 20:00 BST kick-off in 16th place, also with six points from six games, after two wins and four defeats.

Maddison is not the only possible addition to Tottenham’s attacking options. Spurs Web reports that Dejan Kulusevski is set to return to the matchday squad after 500 days out of action. Maddison’s wait for a competitive start stretches back even further, adding another decision for De Zerbi as he weighs how much to ask of each player.

The coach has also spoken about using Tottenham’s trip to Marbella to strengthen a squad reshaped over the summer. De Zerbi said the players put phones aside at breakfast, lunch and dinner to spend time together, and held “two or three important meetings” about football, the club’s situation and individual responsibility. He said players and staff also had separate dinners, while stressing there were “no military rules.”

That focus on responsibility now returns to the pitch. De Zerbi can start Maddison against Coventry, but has not said whether he will; the decision will shape how Tottenham use one of their most experienced attacking options as they seek their first league win.