Destiny Udogie injury: De Zerbi explains knee problem behind Coventry absence

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed a fresh Destiny Udogie injury concern after a knee problem kept the defender out of Tottenham’s squad against Coventry City on Monday.

Andy Robertson returned to the starting side, with Udogie absent from both the XI and the substitutes’ bench.

Destiny Udogie injury: what De Zerbi said

Udogie had started Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United before being withdrawn in the second half.

Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off against Coventry, De Zerbi said, as reported by The Standard: “Destiny Udogie played 70 minutes and he suffered a problem in his knee and we didn’t take a risk.”

No return date was given in the update, leaving his availability for Tottenham’s next league match against Chelsea unconfirmed.

Tottenham’s injury list grows

Udogie’s absence adds to the selection problems already facing De Zerbi.

Savio is expected to miss several weeks with a muscle injury, while Lucas Bergvall faces around two weeks out after experiencing knee pain. Pedro Porro also missed Coventry, although De Zerbi has previously suggested he could return against Chelsea.

Rodrigo Bentancur is unavailable through suspension.

There was better news with Dejan Kulusevski’s return to the matchday squad, the midfielder taking a place on the bench following his lengthy recovery from a knee injury.

James Maddison also returned to the starting XI. Tottenham’s official team announcement confirmed it was his first competitive start since May 2025, while Tosin Adarabioyo made his first Premier League start for the club.