De Zerbi: Mudryk ready for minutes, Richarlison free to go

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi held his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way on Friday ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (3pm UK).

De Zerbi confirmed Mykhailo Mudryk could feature after nearly two years out, saying the on-loan Chelsea winger is ready for a short stint. "One part of the game, I think he's ready right now to play 20, 15, 30 minutes," the Italian said, adding that Mudryk's potential remains intact despite his lengthy doping suspension.

De Zerbi referenced his time with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk, when the war in Ukraine cut short what he described as an emotionally charged season. "We were building a great team and when the war started, everything finished," he said. "Now I think he is a normal player, like van de Ven, like another player. If he deserves, he will play."

On Chelsea's original outlay, De Zerbi offered context: "If Chelsea paid 100 million four years ago... I think they thought very well about the qualities of Mudryk."

Brazilian striker Richarlison appears set to depart, with De Zerbi making clear the player initiated the exit. "He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave," the manager said. "I want to keep just the players that want to stay and be proud and with the right passion to stay here."

De Zerbi said he did not know whether a Turkish club offer existed or whether the club would accept one, but confirmed Richarlison's omission from the Premier League squad was a consequence of the player's own stance. "If you don't want to stay, why we have to keep you on the list?" he said.

Savio was confirmed fit and available after returning to training. James Maddison began working with the group on Thursday but his availability was not confirmed.

On summer signing Mateus Fernandes, De Zerbi said the 2004-born Portuguese midfielder is being used as a number 10 and needs time to adapt. "He's understanding the new club, the new coach, the new environment," De Zerbi said, grouping him alongside Bergvall, Archie Gray and Savio as key parts of the club's future.

De Zerbi also addressed Sandro Tonali's slow start, drawing a parallel with the Italian's first season at AC Milan. "In the first season in AC Milan, the second season they won the Scudetto, but the first season he suffered," he said, expressing hope Tonali would hit his stride sooner at Spurs.