Roberto De Zerbi has explained why James Maddison was an unused substitute in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.There was considerable uncertainty surrounding James Maddison’s fitness ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Crystal Palace. That was due to the knock Maddison picked up against Chelsea, which forced him off in the 51st minute of the encounter.Roberto De Zerbi initially reassured supporters that the issue was nothing too serious before revealing in his pre-match press conference ahead of Palace that Maddison was fit and available for selection.Injured Tottenham playerInjuryPotential ReturnWilson OdobertKneeNovember 2026Xavi SimonsKnee2027Mykhailo MudrykAnkleNovember 2026SavioMuscularUnknownLucas BergvallKneeUnknownTosin AdarabioyoKnockUnknownPhoto by Alex Davidson/Getty ImagesRoberto De Zerbi explains why James Maddison was unused for TottenhamThe Englishman was indeed involved and included in Tottenham’s matchday squad at the weekend, but remained an unused substitute.De Zerbi instead turned to Omar Marmoush to start behind Dominic Solanke before introducing Conor Gallagher later in the match, with the Englishman replacing Solanke.With Maddison not featuring during the encounter, De Zerbi has now explained the decision while speaking to Sky Sports.The Tottenham boss said: “Just for the physical condition. To be clear, James is very important for us. When he feels good, he plays.”The Italian then proceeded to explain why he opted for Marmoush behind Solanke. He added: “The most important is the space they find during the game. It’s not important, one or two in the same line, or… Omar Marmoush [as a 10]. And I think they can play together. Marmoush, in his career, he has played many times with another striker. No problem.”"To be clear James is very important for us, when he feels good, he plays" Roberto De Zerbi discusses his Spurs starting XI to face Crystal Palace ⏳ pic.twitter.com/kxCB9oAzHf— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 31, 2026De Zerbi is right to protect MaddisonWith Maddison not involved at all against Palace, it could simply be a case of De Zerbi not wanting to take any risks. Tottenham were in control for most of the match against the Eagles and barely needed Maddison’s creativity to secure the victory.It is a long season, and the decision to leave him on the bench this weekend looks to be more about protecting him from any unnecessary setbacks than anything else.You would expect Maddison to be back in the Spurs starting XI away to Leeds. In an ideal world, De Zerbi will eventually get to a point where he can rotate Maddison and Kulusevski in the 10 to avoid fatigue and injuries. By January/February, he will also have Xavi Simons as an option too. Saturday 7th November Premier League LeedsLeeds12:30TottenhamTottenham Saturday 21st November Premier League TottenhamTottenham15:00IpswichIpswich Sunday 29th November Premier League SunderlandSunderland14:05TottenhamTottenham Wednesday 2nd December Premier League TottenhamTottenham20:00FulhamFulham Saturday 5th December Premier League TottenhamTottenham15:00ArsenalArsenalREAD MORE: Don’t worry Tottenham, Barcelona are not moving for £75m Pedro PorroThe post Roberto De Zerbi reveals why James Maddison was rooted to the Tottenham bench vs Palace appeared first on Spurs Web.