Roberto De Zerbi confirms Mohammed Kudus setback and updates on Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur before Tottenham Hotspur face Sunderland
Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of his first game as Tottenham Hotspur head coach this weekend, with a difficult trip to Sunderland awaiting.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss arrives in north London with a major task on his hands, as Spurs sit 18th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining.
With survival the immediate priority, attention has quickly turned to team news, and De Zerbi has been dealt a number of early setbacks.
Early injury blows for De Zerbi at Spurs
Mohammed Kudus had been expected to return after the international break, but the attacking midfielder has now suffered a setback that will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
“I started with not big luck. Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position. But we have to look forward,” he said.
Suggested Articles
“I think we have a lot of very good attackers. Kolo Muani I know is not playing a good season but he is a good player. Mathys Tel I wanted at Marseille, Xavi [Simons] is a big talent. Richarlison and [Dominic] Solanke as well, I mean you probably know better than me.”
There are also issues in goal, with Guglielmo Vicario sidelined after undergoing surgery during the international break. That is likely to hand an opportunity to Antonín Kinský between the posts.
“Vicario is not ready for this game. I hope he can come back next week but I don’t know yet. Bentancur is working with us but not completely but we have enough to fight, to play, to make points.”
Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who had surgery earlier this year, is edging closer to a return but is not yet ready for full involvement.
James Maddison is continuing his recovery from a serious ACL injury sustained in pre-season and is not yet part of the squad at this stage.
With key absentees across the pitch, De Zerbi will need to rely on what’s left of his injury-hit squad with Spurs in desperate need of points to secure Premier League survival.