Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Leeds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
De Zerbi confirmed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is not yet fit to return: "I don't know what will be the plan. He's suffering because he would like to help the team and his team-mates. But, he's not available yet."
On James Maddison, who has returned to the squad in recent weeks but is still yet to feature this season after a long-term knee injury: "I am thinking about James Maddison because I am watching a top, top player. Maybe he is not ready yet to play, not as a physical condition, but for the rhythm or intensity of the game. You are playing in the Premier League – the most difficult league in the world for rhythm and intensity."
De Zerbi added that Dominic Solanke is "improving very quickly" and could return to face Chelsea: “I don’t know if he can be available for this game. We hope for the next game at Stamford Bridge.”
He was asked whether he would be keen to keep Joao Palhinha at the club when the midfielder's loan from Bayern Munich ends in the summer: "100%. We have to start from this type of person. We need reliable people as well as reliable players and Palhinha is one of the best. I want to see players with the same attitude, with the same passion, with the same spirit and personality. We are lucky to have Palhinha with us."
De Zerbi praised the recent performances of Conor Gallagher: "I'm happy. He came in January in a difficult situation. He had some problems at the beginning. He is an important player. I am happy to watch him in this condition. I said after the [Aston Villa] game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent.”
On the challenge posed by Leeds: "First of all, we are playing against one of the best teams in the league, in this moment. In the past five or six games, they won against Manchester United, they drew in Bournemouth playing well, they won at home two times – Wolves and Burnley – and for that we have a big respect. We can’t think in a different way. We have to keep this mentality. We must remain humble. Nothing has changed. We have to prepare for an important game.”
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