Tottenham will field another 'key' player for Brighton's visit to north London this weekend, according to Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs are fighting off the six-point drop against De Zerbi's old side
De Zerbi needs to win, and fast.
One defeat for Spurs is already on the Italian's record, and now a home game against his former club awaits – which could explain whether Tottenham's season can be salvaged or already gone.
Brighton arrive at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday as one of the Premier League's most in-form sides, and the numbers make it difficult for the hosts to read.
Spurs have gone 14 Premier League games without a win – the second longest in the club's history. Only Derby in 2008, Sunderland in 2003, and Swindon in 1993 had longer winless runs to start a calendar year in the top flight – and all three were relegated. (Commentator).
|
Tottenham's last six Premier League games |
The day |
|---|---|
|
Brighton (home) |
April 18 |
|
Wolves (away) |
April 25 |
|
Aston Villa (away) |
May 2 |
|
Leeds (home) |
May 11 |
|
Chelsea (away) |
May 17 |
|
Everton (home) |
May 24 |
In contrast, Brighton have won five of their last six league games, and sit just two points behind sixth-placed Chelsea, with the real European pressure very much alive.
Fabian Hürzeler's side have no incentive to take their foot off the gas, and they rarely do.
They have scored 14 goals in their last five meetings with Spurs and won three of those five – a record that will do little to settle nerves in north London.
Crystal Palace are now eyeing a shock move for the Tottenham star who is ready to quit
It would be a real eyebrow raiser.
There is some relief when it comes to the team sheet, however.
De Zerbi has confirmed that Yves Bissouma is fully fit after the midfielder had to settle on the bench at the Stadium of Light, while Rodrigo Bentancur is in contention after returning to training this week, although a start could come soon.
Then comes the bad news, with the announcement that Romero will miss the rest of the season along with his legendary teammate Mohammed Kudus.
De Zerbi confirms Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario will miss Brighton
The Spurs manager has confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario will not be present, as the goalkeeper continues to recover from hernia surgery carried out during the break.
“Bentancur is available to play, I don't know if he starts the game or not,” said De Zerbi in a press conference today.
“Bissouma is 100% available over the Sunderland game (where Yves was an unused substitute).
“Vicario is another top lad. I'm looking forward to working with him. Kinsky played very well against Sunderland, but Vicario is another important player for us – great experience, great character and personality.”
The situation is further complicated by reports from Italy this week.
Inter Milan are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Vicario, with personal terms already in place, so whether he remains a Spurs player beyond the summer is suddenly a live question.
In his absence, Kinsky is supportive as well.
The Czech stopper was one of Tottenham's best performers against Sunderland, controlling his space and staying strong despite the defeat.
His first-half save to deny Brian Brobbey from close range was the pick of the times, and De Zerbi admitted that.
It was the 23-year-old's first league appearance all season, making the display all the more encouraging.
Performance will give the young goalkeeper confidence. But for Tottenham, confidence alone will not be enough.
They need three points, a result that proves De Zerbi's appointment is more than just rolling the dice. With six games to go and a relegation strike, Saturday is as close to a final as it gets in the league.
Tottenham have been given a 'positive' injury update as another star returns to training with Bentancur
Spurs are deep in relegation trouble.
