Context:

Spurs defender Djed Spence will play with a protective mask after suffering a broken jaw from an elbow incident in Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, as medical staff prepare him for the season finale against Everton. His availability would be a timely boost amid Tottenham’s injury crisis and a tight relegation battle, with the final-day outcome hinging on squad fitness and goal difference. West Ham’s loss to Newcastle compounds Tottenham’s survival odds, making a home win or even a draw potentially enough to stay up. The situation leaves Roberto De Zerbi’s side focused on closing the campaign with a fully fit squad and a favorable result. The broader context includes Tottenham’s struggle to secure Premier League football for next season amid a historic North London season and rival title clinching by Arsenal.

Dive Deeper:

• Djed Spence has been diagnosed with a broken jaw following an elbow clash with Liam Delap during Tottenham's 2-1 loss to Chelsea.

• The injury occurred during a contentious moment in the match, with medical staff reacting on the touchline and Spence later sharing footage of the incident on social media.

• Spence, who has appeared 43 times for Spurs this season across all competitions, is expected to wear a custom protective mask for the final game of the campaign against Everton.

• Tottenham are contending with a broader injury crisis, with key players such as Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies, Xavi Simons, and Cristian Romero sidelined.

• Spurs enter the final weekend in a relegation battle with West Ham, needing a win or at least a draw against Everton to secure top-flight status, aided by their superior goal difference.

• West Ham’s 3-1 defeat at Newcastle provides Tottenham with an improved probability of survival, highlighting the instability of the relegation fight as the season ends.