New Delhi, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has urged patience with Mykhailo Mudryk after the Ukrainian winger made his long-awaited return to competitive football during Spurs’ goalless Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest.
Mudryk came off the bench at the City Ground in the second half, marking his first competitive appearance in 646 days. The 25-year-old, who joined Tottenham from Chelsea on a season-long loan earlier this week, replaced Mathys Tel as Spurs searched for a breakthrough.
However, De Zerbi said Mudryk still needs time to regain his best physical condition following his lengthy absence.
“He’s not ready yet. He’s working to reach the best physical condition. He needs time; he needs work,” De Zerbi said after the match, as quoted by ESPN.
The Tottenham manager also pointed to the competition between Mudryk and Tel, saying both players have significant potential but need to improve their decision-making in the final third.
“In that position, we have Mathys Tel, big potential. But also Mathys takes too many wrong decisions, and Mudryk. So, two big players, two big potential players,” he said.
Mudryk’s return came during a difficult start to De Zerbi’s Premier League tenure, with Tottenham failing to score in their opening three league matches.
De Zerbi also managed the minutes of Savio and Destiny Udogie, with both players substituted around the hour mark under a pre-agreed plan with the club’s medical staff.
“I’m sorry because Savio and Destiny, in that moment, I think they could play something more than 60 minutes, but there was a plan with the medical staff to not take risks,” he said.
The Italian acknowledged that both players remain important to his plans but said their physical condition meant caution was necessary.
De Zerbi also admitted that Tottenham’s revamped attack needs time to develop an understanding. Despite significant summer spending, Spurs remain without a league goal after three matches.
Mudryk’s return nevertheless gives Tottenham another attacking option as they look to end their early-season scoring drought. Spurs next face Everton in the Premier League before travelling to Liverpool for a League Cup tie later this month.
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