De Zerbi’s latest on Solanke, Udogie and Vicario ahead of Tottenham vs Villa
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that forward Dominic Solanke suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend’s win at Wolves, but has only ruled him out of Sunday’s, May 3, 2026 clash at Aston Villa for the time being.
The striker was forced off towards the end of the first half at Molineux, replaced by Richarlison, who later had a hand in Joao Palhinha’s crucial winning goal.
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Roberto was asked in his pre-Villa press conference on Friday afternoon if Dominic was going to be available again this season. “I don’t know yet,” he said. “Villa, no, for sure. Then we will see,” De Zerbi said on Friday.
Roberto reported that Guglielmo Vicario was ‘not available yet’ as the goalkeeper works his way back to fitness following surgery on a hernia.
There was better news on Destiny Udogie, who was sidelined for last week’s win at Molineux. “Udogie can be available, yes. I don’t know if that’s the beginning of the game or the second half, but he’s available, yes,” he added.
Xavi Simons, who suffered an ACL injury at Wolves, joins Solanke, Vicario, Cuti Romero, Mo Kudus, Deki Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies on the sidelines.
Long injury list
As Spurs face Villa why trying to salvage their turbulent season by avoiding the looming relegation, the injury list at Tottenham is so long and the players De Zerbi has been counting on are all injured at a crucial moment.
“Yes, but we are good enough to win the games, and we are good enough to stay up. Then we will see, because it’s the unique way I know. The way I know is to work hard, to give my best, to transfer my idea of the players, the confidence of the players, and to be realistic. I think there are not a lot of people realistic now,” he said.
Medical department criticism
There has been criticism of the medical department in regards to the long list of injuries at Tottenham Hotspur, but De Zerbi had this to say:
“We win together and we lose together and it’s not the right time to make polemic or to give responsibilities. Every one of us has to feel the responsibility for a big club. But now we have to stay all together, close2, with just one target on our head and to move on forward all together and stop.” He added.
Tottenham Hotspur will have to win at Aston Villa to boost their survival hopes after a difficult campaign.
