De Zerbi could be about to unleash Spurs’ new Eriksen to replace Simons

Tottenham’s injury crisis deepens as De Zerbi faces attacking void ahead of Aston Villa clash

Tottenham Hotspur finally secured their first victory of 2026 last weekend, but the pressure shows no sign of easing on new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian took over a difficult situation following Igor Tudor’s disappointing interim spell. While he has managed to collect four points from his opening three Premier League matches, Spurs remain stuck in the relegation zone.

The relief from their 1-0 win at Molineux has been overshadowed by the loss of Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke to injuries, adding to the club’s growing list of sidelined players.

With Aston Villa up next, De Zerbi’s already thin attacking options have been further reduced, leaving the former Marseille boss with a major selection dilemma.

Latest Spurs team news for Villa trip

Tottenham’s rapid decline in recent seasons has been blamed on managerial changes and recruitment problems, but the sheer number of long-term injuries would test any club.

Dejan Kulusevski, who hasn’t played since last May, is still fighting to feature again this season. Mohammed Kudus has also suffered a setback in his recovery, putting both players at risk of missing the summer World Cup.

Cristian Romero is in a similar position after limping off against Sunderland, while Wilson Odobert remains out long-term after his ACL injury earlier this year.

Simons cruelly suffered the same fate against Wolves, ruling him out indefinitely, and Solanke’s hamstring injury in the first half means he will miss the trip to Villa Park at minimum.

In his Friday press conference, De Zerbi confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario is not yet ready to return, though he did reveal that Destiny Udogie is “available” – albeit not guaranteed to start. With so many issues to handle, De Zerbi’s biggest concern will be how to shape his attack without Solanke and Simons.

De Zerbi could turn to ‘new Eriksen’ to replace Simons

For Solanke, Richarlison – who provided the assist for João Palhinha last time out – offers a straightforward replacement. Simons is likely to be swapped for Mathys Tel on the left. However, with Randal Kolo Muani struggling for form in three straight games, Tel might be moved to the right flank, leaving the left side in need of another solution.

Encouragingly, De Zerbi hinted that James Maddison could be in line for his first appearance of the season, having returned to the bench for the last two matches.

“Very well,” De Zerbi said. “Does he have a chance to play against Villa or Leeds? I don’t know. I would like to play him because he’s a special player, a different player, but we have to consider his physical condition and many other things. I think he can be important in the next three games.”

Patience may be required, as Maddison hasn’t played since the final days of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure. But with Simons injured, needs must. Maddison, more than anyone at Spurs, can provide the creative spark in the Dutchman’s place. A free role on the left could suit him well as he regains full fitness.

Though primarily a number ten, Maddison has operated in wide positions before – much like former Tottenham star Christian Eriksen – as a versatile, classy operator across midfield and attack.

At his peak, Eriksen was the club’s chief creator under Mauricio Pochettino, compensating for a lack of pace with devastating passing and vision.

In his final full season at Spurs (2018/19), Eriksen provided 12 assists, created ten ‘big chances’, and averaged 2.1 key passes per game.

When fit and firing, Maddison is cut from similar cloth. In his first season at Spurs, the 28-year-old racked up nine assists, created 11 ‘big chances’, and averaged 2.4 key passes per game – a remarkably similar record to Eriksen’s. With Simons sidelined, De Zerbi is desperate for a new creative engine, and Maddison – the modern-day Eriksen – looks his best bet.