James Maddison May Return For Leeds As De Zerbi Weighs Tottenham

james maddison could be in line for Tottenham’s Monday night visit to Leeds United after Roberto De Zerbi said he is thinking about whether to pick him. Maddison has not played yet this season, but he has been named on the bench for Tottenham’s last three games.

De Zerbi and Maddison

De Zerbi said Maddison may not be ready yet to play, adding that the issue is physical condition rather than rhythm. "I'm thinking about James Madison because I'm watching a top, top player. Maybe he's not ready yet to play, but as a physical condition, not for the rhythm, for the intensity of the game. We are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in terms of intensity and rhythm."

That leaves Tottenham with a decision on an attacking midfielder who has already moved back toward the matchday squad without getting on the pitch. De Zerbi has named him in the squad for three of the four games he has been in charge for, a sign that the staff are at least considering him for use.

Tottenham’s Relegation Margin

Tottenham are one point above West Ham, who occupy the final relegation place, and they have been without some of their most creative assets for much of the season. Dejan Kulusevski has been out for the season, leaving the side with fewer options in the final third as they try to stay clear of the bottom spots.

Danny Murphy added another layer to the discussion with his assessment of Maddison’s importance in Tottenham’s relegation fight. "Maddison is the one. Maddison is the one who could save them because he is a super talent who plays free."

Leeds Night Decision

The Monday night visit to Leeds United now sits as the point where Tottenham’s staff have to decide whether Maddison is ready to go from bench option to selection. If he is not picked, the club stays short of the creative lift they have lacked for much of the season. If he is, Tottenham finally get a chance to use a player they have spent most of the campaign waiting for.