With Mohammed Kudus sidelined following his latest injury setback, Roberto De Zerbi has outlined five players he believes can step in to fill the void on the right wing, while also expressing confidence in his Tottenham squad.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to return to Premier League action with a crucial game against Sunderland, which marks Roberto De Zerbi’s debut game for the Lilywhites.
The Spurs boss will no doubt be hoping to secure a much-needed victory in that encounter as he looks to steer Tottenham clear of danger, with the club at risk of losing their Premier League status for the first time in almost half a century.
But De Zerbi will have to do that with several key players out. The new Spurs boss provided a team news update ahead of Sunday’s encounter, revealing that the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Guglielmo Vicario are out, while Rodrigo Bentancur is edging closer to a return.
Tottenham dealt Mohammed Kudus injury blow as Roberto De Zerbi outlines attacking options
De Zerbi also admitted how big a blow Kudus’ latest setback is, after he returned to training earlier this week, but is now a doubt for the World Cup after suffering a groin problem that requires surgery.
With games set to come thick and fast, De Zerbi will have to find a solution to Kudus’ absence for the rest of the season.
Speaking about the attacking options available to him, the Tottenham manager assessed several players and their current form.
He told Football.london: “Kolo Muani I know is not playing a good season but he is a good player. Mathys Tel I wanted at Marseille, Xavi is a big talent. Richarlison and Solanke as well, I mean you probably know better than me.”
Of course, it will not be easy for Kudus to be replaced, given how creative he is out wide, thanks to his dribbling and his ability to pick out a pass.
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi backs squad despite injuries
But regardless of the absence of the Ghana international, De Zerbi believes he has enough quality in his squad to push for Premier League survival.
The Spurs boss explained his belief in the group and highlighted both the younger talents and experienced figures within the squad.
He added: “In the last period I watch a lot of games, especially of Tottenham and yes, one thing is to watch the game at home and a different thing is to work with them on the pitch. We have very big players, young players Bergvall, Archie Gray, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, but in a way we have older players that are important like Van de Ven.
“Van de Ven is a crucial player for me like Romero, like Porro, like Solanke. I want to see again the same Gallagher I loved in Chelsea time.
“And I think I am lucky because I have a big confidence in my players and their qualities. For me, my target is to help them to play well and to enjoy with the ball because their characterists are very clear for me.”