Italy international Destiny Udogie didn’t feature in Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Coventry City because of a knee problem: ‘We didn’t take a risk alongside the medical staff,’ Roberto De Zerbi explained.
Italy international Udogie is dealing with a knee problem that kept him out of Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Coventry on Monday. The former Udinese defender was substituted off during a 1-1 draw against Manchester United the previous weekend.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur takes on Jaden Philogene of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Portman Road on February 22, 2025 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
“Udogie played 70 minutes (against Manchester United) and suffered a problem of (the) knee, and we didn’t take a risk alongside the medical staff,” De Zerbi said via the Tottenham official website.
Udogie, 23, has made six appearances across all competitions for Tottenham this season, collecting 283 minutes on the pitch.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on before the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on September 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The Italian left-back made his senior Azzurri debut in 2023 under Luciano Spalletti and has since featured 12 times for the national team.
It remains to be seen whether Udogie will return to action in time for the next international break in November and whether Roberto Mancini will give him a chance.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Destiny Udogie of Italy battles for possession with Antonio Ruediger of Germany during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
He last featured for the Azzurri in June 2025, when Italy lost 3-0 to Norway in a World Cup qualifier.
Another left-back in the Premier League, Matteo Ruggeri, surely won’t be available for the Azzurri, as the Aston Villa defender faces a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.