Tottenham injury crisis threatens to undo clear Roberto De Zerbi improvements

At one point on Saturday, it appeared Tottenham Hotspur were truly down and out.

Four points separated them from safety after West Ham took the lead against Everton, while further north, Spurs were labouring to secure the breakthrough against already-relegated Wolves. Once thought an impossibility, relegation suddenly looked like an inevitability.

By the time the final whistles rang out, though, everything – and nothing – had changed. Spurs had their first win of 2026 at the third time of asking under Roberto De Zerbi, and for a split second, they were heading out of the bottom three.

But Callum Wilson’s 92nd-minute dagger ensured that the day would end as it had begun: with West Ham in 17th and Spurs 18th. For Tottenham, though, their 1-0 triumph at Molineux could be the turning point on which their Premier League fate could hinge.

It was far from a polished performance, but the psychological effects of bringing to an end a 15-match winless run in the league should not be underestimated. De Zerbi will just hope it doesn’t turn out to be a Pyrrhic victory after Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke’s injuries.

Tottenham’s injury nightmare escalates

The relief at full-time was palpable among the Spurs ranks, not to mention the travelling faithful packed into one corner. De Zerbi flew out of his dugout to fist-pump passionately in front of the supporters, while Pedro Porro and Joao Palhinha embraced.

This was the gradual unpicking of mental scars, and perhaps the first step on a slightly rosier road which will take them to safety. However, they will likely have to take the next steps without both Simons and Solanke, both of whom could now miss an extended period.

Solanke was the first to hobble off after sustaining a muscle issue just before half-time. Then, a shade beyond the hour mark, Simons was escorted away on a stretcher, having damaged his knee. There will be serious concerns over the latter, who looked close to tears.

While Spurs are certainly defending better under De Zerbi, they have still lacked attacking thrust. Solanke and Simons have been crucial in fashioning out chances, but with both set for a period on the treatment table, those on the fringes will have to stand up to be counted.

While there will be a great deal of sympathy with Solanke over his latest injury setback, a degree of realism will also set in. The striker hasn’t been available enough since joining. He seemingly cannot be trusted to stay fit for an entire campaign, let alone half of one.

This season, he has made just 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times. Two of those goals, though, came in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City in February.

Over the coming weeks, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani will be able to step in for Solanke, whose muscle injury is “not a big problem”, according to De Zerbi.

Simons’ absence will be felt rather more keenly. James Maddison’s inclusion in the last two matchday squads has been symbolic rather than intended for him to make an impact, which has placed the burden of the bulk of chance creation onto the young Dutchman’s shoulders.

De Zerbi has looked to stay positive despite the escalating injury crisis.

Captain Cristian Romero will miss the rest of the campaign due to an ACL tear, while Wilson Odobert is similarly not expected to return until next season after his ligament rupture. Dejan Kulusevski also sustained an ACL injury of his own last year and has not played this term.

It was revealed earlier this month that Mohammed Kudus could require surgery after an apparent setback in his recovery from a thigh problem. Elsewhere, Guglielmo Vicario, Pape Sarr and Ben Davies are also currently unavailable, adding to De Zerbi’s headache.

Misfits have chance to become Spurs hero

In adversity, though, comes strength. It is when their backs are against the wall that players really discover who they are and what they’re made of.

Antonin Kinsky’s stunning save from Joao Gomes’ free-kick deep inside stoppage time not only secured all three points but also promised to be the decisive moment that transformed his career. He deservedly soaked up his team-mates’ praise after clawing the strike away.

The same couldn’t be said of Kolo Muani. The striker delivered an underwhelming performance before being hauled off at the break. Still, De Zerbi believes he has a role to play, having shown him YouTube videos to remind him of his quality.

Lifting spirits could well be decisive come the end of the campaign, and so far, the new head coach has done just that, offering fresh hope that they can beat the drop.

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