Eight Tottenham players face an uncertain future under De Zerbi

Tottenham Hotspur are set to see eight members of their senior squad lose their place under Roberto De Zerbi, with the club winless after five league games and sitting at the foot of the Premier League table.

Spurs' costly summer overhaul

Ten new signings arrived for more than £300 million while seventeen players departed during the 2026 summer window. The wholesale changes were intended to build on De Zerbi’s rescue act that kept the Lilywhites up with a 1‑0 win over Everton on the final day of the 2025‑26 season.

Injuries limit De Zerbi's options

Key attackers Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined, and new arrival Mykhailo Mudryk managed only 16 minutes before suffering an ankle injury. Their absences have forced De Zerbi to rely on a 25‑man squad that does not include Richarlison, who was omitted entirely.

Eight players face uncertain futures

The 25‑man list also leaves out U21 prospects Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mathys Tel, although they can be called up because of their age. With a matchday squad limited to 20, at least five senior players sit on the bench each weekend, and Spurs have already exited the Carabao Cup, leaving only the league and FA Cup.

Brandon Austin, the third‑choice goalkeeper, has been on the periphery under several managers and is unlikely to break through. Ben Davies, named third‑choice captain behind Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro, has missed two of the five matchday squads and has not featured off the bench.

When Simons, Kulusevski and Odobert return to full fitness, Tel’s chances will disappear. De Zerbi explained Tel’s omission after the defeat to Aston Villa: “He was in the stands, because I think during the game Maddison and Kudus had more chances to change the game, and then two centre‑backs, also the full‑backs, had a look for Pedro Porro with Archie Gray and the two central midfielders. It was no problem. He was very nice and he understood the reason, but nothing more.”

Four other players – Simons, Kulusevski, Odobert and Mudryk – are currently out injured, meaning when they return the competition for the remaining twenty spots will intensify. Spurs are already planning for the January transfer window, suggesting further squad trimming.

Lee, a Senior Editor and Content Strategist at GiveMeSport, previously worked for and football.london. Like a thread in a log, here I give you the facts. I’m sure fans will show keen interest as the club decides who will stay and who will go.