Tottenham Hotspur head into their match against Nottingham Forest with manager Roberto De Zerbi reshaping his squad after a difficult start to the season. The club currently sits 20th in the Premier League, having lost both of their opening games without scoring a goal while conceding five.
Richarlison has been excluded from Tottenham's 25-man Premier League squad list. The Brazilian striker, who was the club's top scorer last season, publicly expressed a desire to leave during the recent transfer window. De Zerbi addressed the situation directly last week, stating that any player wanting to depart must "bring the economic solution to the club." Negotiations for a return to Everton broke down, the player stated on his own social media. Turkish side Trabzonspor subsequently emerged as a potential destination. His omission leaves a significant gap in the attack, compounding an injury list that already includes Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, James Maddison, and Sávio. Fans can check the latest availability on the club's injuries page.
Roberto De Zerbi is betting on a reunion with winger Mykhailo Mudryk to spark Tottenham's attack. The Ukrainian international, who joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea with a £75 million option to buy, has not started a Premier League match in over two years following a doping ban. De Zerbi previously worked with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk and once labelled him a future Ballon d'Or winner. The manager now faces the task of rebuilding the player's confidence and form. Mudryk's arrival is part of a broader attacking strategy built on potential, with Dejan Kulusevski also working his way back from injury. The hope is that familiar management can unlock the talent that prompted Chelsea's initial £89 million investment.
The atmosphere at Tottenham is one of urgency after consecutive defeats to Brentford and Newcastle United. Despite heavy summer spending, the team has yet to show improvement on the pitch. This leaves them six points behind early leaders Manchester City. De Zerbi remains publicly confident the club will avoid another relegation battle, but the immediate need is for points. The upcoming match against 15th-placed Nottingham Forest on September 5th represents a critical opportunity. Supporters can view the full fixtures schedule for the season ahead.
Tottenham's squad for the trip to the City Ground will be notably different from the one that started the season. The absence of Richarlison and several key injured players forces De Zerbi to rely on new signings and returning fitness cases. The team's league standings show the stark reality of their position, rooted to the bottom with a -5 goal difference. All focus is now on halting the losing run. A positive result against Forest is vital for morale before the international break. The match kicks off on Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
