Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison is a doubt for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea after scoring on his first start in 536 days, manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed on Friday.

Spurs travel to Stamford Bridge following an encouraging 3-1 home victory over Coventry City on Monday, which secured their first Premier League win of the season. However, Tottenham face a difficult challenge, having recorded just one victory in their last 41 visits to Chelsea in all competitions.

The 29-year-old Maddison, who recently returned from a lengthy injury absence, marked his return to the starting lineup against Coventry with a superb opening goal. Despite the midfielder’s impressive comeback, his availability for the London derby remains uncertain.

“In the first three days after the Coventry game, Maddison didn’t work with us. I don’t know if he’s ready for tomorrow,” De Zerbi told reporters.

“I don’t want to take risks because if you analyse this period of football, you can see many injuries, not just for Tottenham.”

While De Zerbi is reluctant to rush Maddison back into action, Tottenham have received a boost with Pedro Porro, Andy Robertson and forward Omar Marmoush available for selection.

“We can also play with Mathys Tel, with Omar Marmoush inside, with Conor Gallagher. We have more solutions considering Pedro Porro can play,” the Italian manager added.

However, Tottenham will still be without winger Savio and midfielder Lucas Bergvall. The involvement of Dejan Kulusevski also remains uncertain following his long-awaited return as a late substitute against Coventry after 526 days out.

Left-back Destiny Udogie continues to recover from a knee problem and has not featured since Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United earlier this month.

“We are lucky because in the same position we have many solutions,” De Zerbi said. “We have to find the best for him and the best for us.”

Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with six points and have struggled badly at Stamford Bridge, winning just once in their last 36 league visits.

Meanwhile, fourth-placed Chelsea, who have collected 13 points, will aim to record a seventh consecutive league victory over their London rivals for the first time.

De Zerbi, however, believes Tottenham can use their poor record at Stamford Bridge as motivation ahead of the encounter.

“For me, it’s one motivation more for the players,” he said.

“I want this negative record to give us more motivation, mentality and energy to win a game. We have the qualities to win this game.”