Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a timely lift ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United, with two key midfielders set to return to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
Spurs head to Elland Road on a high, having won their last three league games against Coventry City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace. The run has lifted them out of the bottom reaches of the table and into the top half, a clear sign of progress after a difficult start.
De Zerbi has nonetheless had to work around injuries and suspensions, with midfield hit hardest. Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall, though, are both expected to be available again for the Leeds fixture.
Bentancur missed the last three league matches after being sent off at Old Trafford for violent conduct involving Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, which brought a three-match domestic ban. Even without him, Tottenham collected maximum points in that spell.
Bergvall has also been out since a knee problem in the same game. The Swede appeared to pick up the issue after setting up an early chance for Dominic Solanke, and Spurs eventually had to take him off. De Zerbi later said he would be out for around two weeks.
With both back, Tottenham have far more midfield options. Bentancur brings experience, physical presence and composure, while Bergvall adds energy, creativity and the ability to push the team forward.
That also gives De Zerbi a selection dilemma. Mateus Fernandes and others have played big parts in the winning streak, so choosing the right combination won’t be easy.
Spurs will hope the returnees help them keep their momentum going. A win at Leeds would make it four league victories in a row and strengthen their standing in the table, and the return of Bentancur and Bergvall at this stage of the season will be welcome news for supporters.
