Tottenham Hotspur finally have a Premier League point to show for their efforts this season, though there’s little to celebrate about how they got there under Roberto De Zerbi.
Three games in, Spurs are still without a win or a goal, and several key attacking players remain out injured. The 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest at least broke the losing streak that followed defeats to Brentford and Newcastle, but the performance again exposed a lack of creativity and cutting edge going forward. Savio and Destiny Udogie both featured as part of their gradual return from injury, coming off shortly after the hour mark — with no fresh setbacks for either, which will be a welcome relief for De Zerbi and the medical team.
There was more mixed news on Dejan Kulusevski. The Swede, who’s been out for close to 18 months with a serious patella injury, returned to training with the group but has had to pause the last two days after a minor issue cropped up. De Zerbi gave an update, explaining that Kulusevski trained fine early in the week before hitting a small snag, but stressed the recovery is on track and praised the medical staff’s handling of it, adding that he’s eager to have him back involved. No firm return date has been set, though.
Elsewhere, the picture is less rosy. Xavi Simons isn’t expected back until 2027 after tearing his ACL against Wolves last April — a blow that’s been keenly felt given how short Tottenham have looked creatively through the middle. Wilson Odobert, also nursing an ACL injury from last season, is said to be further along in his rehab, with hopes he could feature again before the end of 2026.
The bottom line for Spurs is simple: they need goals, and soon. A point at Forest is something, but three games without scoring is a real concern, especially with so much attacking quality still sidelined. Kulusevski and Odobert’s eventual returns should help, but De Zerbi will need to be careful not to rush either man back before they’re truly ready.
