AliousTottenham Hotspur’s season has spiraled into a desperate fight for survival, and time is no longer a luxury they possess.
The North London side remain winless in 2026, a drought stretching into a staggering run that has left them rooted in deep trouble as the campaign edges toward its conclusion.
The pressure only intensifies as Roberto De Zerbi prepares for his first home match in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—ironically facing Brighton & Hove Albion, the very club he once led in the Premier League. While he is expected to receive an initially warm reception, the mood in the stands is fragile, with fans acutely aware of the club’s alarming position near the foot of the table.
Recent results have only deepened the crisis. A damaging defeat to Sunderland confirmed Spurs’ place in the relegation zone, marking the first time in nearly two decades they’ve found themselves in such danger at this stage of a season.
Injuries have played a major role in the collapse. Key figures like Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero have recently joined an already lengthy absentee list, compounding problems for a squad that, on paper, should not be anywhere near relegation trouble.
There is, however, a flicker of hope emerging from the training ground. Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has returned to training after a hamstring setback, offering a timely boost.
Even more intriguing is the reappearance of James Maddison, who has been spotted working with the first team after a long spell out.Maddison’s absence has been so prolonged that he had almost faded from the conversation entirely.
The playmaker suffered a serious ACL injury back in early August during a pre-season clash with Newcastle United, ruling him out for virtually the entire campaign.
Alongside Dejan Kulusevski, he has been one of the most notable missing pieces in Spurs’ troubled season.While the club has cautioned against rushing him back too soon, his presence in training signals that a return is edging closer.
Recovery timelines for ACL injuries typically hover around nine months, placing his potential comeback right at the critical final stretch of the season.With just six games remaining, Tottenham’s fate is no longer entirely in their own hands. Even a perfect run-in may not guarantee survival, underlining the scale of the challenge ahead.
Yet, if Maddison can return in time, he could provide the creativity, leadership, and spark that has been sorely lacking.
His influence in the past has been undeniable—capable of lifting both performances and belief within the squad. Now, as Spurs cling to fading hopes, his comeback could represent a final, dramatic twist in a season that has offered very little to celebrate.
Alious
