'James is available' - Maddison boosts Tottenham ahead of Palace clash

The midfielder was forced off in the 51st minute of Tottenham's 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge last weekend, raising concerns about another spell on the sidelines.

Maddison had only recently returned to the starting line-up after 17 months out with a knee injury, making his first start in the 3-1 victory over Coventry.

However, manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that the playmaker is ready to feature against Palace, although he has not trained as regularly as his team-mates this week.

"James is available," De Zerbi said on Friday.

"This week he didn't work like the other players, but for tomorrow he is available. He is a special player for us, both because of his character and his unique characteristics."

De Zerbi stressed that players returning from lengthy injury lay-offs need additional work to regain their best condition.

"For James Maddison, or players coming back from a long injury, they have to work more than the other players," he added.

"But he has already had four or five weeks of working very hard and consistently."

Tottenham have also been boosted by the return of Destiny Udogie, who is available after missing the victories over Coventry and Chelsea with a knee problem.

However, De Zerbi admitted that the Italian defender's injury record remains a concern.

"He is available, but he is another problematic player in terms of injuries because he can't work consistently during the weeks," the Spurs manager explained.

Tottenham have moved three points clear of the relegation zone following their first Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge in eight years.

They now face another important London derby against Palace, who sit 17th in the table, just one point above the bottom three.

Despite the recent improvement, De Zerbi insists his team cannot afford to become complacent. Having helped Tottenham avoid relegation after arriving late last season, the Italian wants considerably more from his players this time around.

"We have not achieved our goal. We want our fans to be happy, but not now, at the end of the season," he said.

"Now we have to push. We have to stay focused. We have to improve the spirit and the appetite to win games in a row.

"One or two times is not enough."

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