Tottenham injury news before Leeds is mixed, not catastrophic

Tottenham host Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, 11 May, and the latest injury update is more encouraging than the recent noise suggested. Richarlison is still in the mix for the game, Conor Gallagher has come through his goal at Aston Villa and Roberto De Zerbi says there are “no problems”. But Guglielmo Vicario remains unavailable, and the long-term absentees keep the squad stretched.

What De Zerbi said about the squad

De Zerbi was clear enough on the general picture. “No, I'm happy because we are working well with all players. Another very important week. We have no problems,” he told football.london. On Richarlison, he added: “He's improving quickly, I don't know for this game, we hope for the next game at Stamford Bridge.”

That is the useful bit for Tottenham. It does not give Leeds a full-blown attacking boost yet, but it does keep the door open. Richarlison limped off during the 2-1 away win over Aston Villa after scoring in the first half, so the concern was real. The manager's wording suggests Monday may come too soon, but he has not been ruled out.

Dominic Solanke is part of the wider forward picture too, because Tottenham need options wherever they can find them. Richarlison has 10 Premier League goals this season, so even a short absence would have been awkward.

The missing pieces still matter

The biggest issue has not disappeared. De Zerbi said of Guglielmo Vicario: “He's not ready yet. I don't know the plan... he's suffering because he would like to help his team-mates, but he's not available yet.” Vicario has been out since the March international break after hernia surgery and has an unknown return date.

There is also the longer-term picture. Xavi Simons ruptured the ACL in his right knee during the second half at Wolverhampton Wanderers and is expected back in 2027. Wilson Odobert sustained a ruptured ACL in his left knee in February and is expected back in November. The result is an injury list that is better than a full crisis, but still not comfortable.

Tottenham's numbers on the pitch reflect that strain. They are 17th in the Premier League on 37 points after 35 matches, and their last five league results are W-W-D-L-L. Leeds arrive after a 3-1 home win over Burnley and have won three of their last five league matches, so this is not a soft landing.

The latest update is therefore mixed in the way these things usually are. Richarlison may yet be available, Vicario is still out, and the squad still has enough holes that Monday's team sheet will matter as much as the injury report. If Richarlison makes it, Tottenham get a proper lift. If he does not, the pressure on the rest of the attack only increases.