Tottenham have handed Guglielmo Vicario a boost after a pre-Sunderland update from De Zerbi
Tottenham have been given good news about one player's imminent return, with Roberto De Zerbi sharing a pre-Sunderland update.
Spurs team news ahead of Sunderland
De Zerbi held his first press conference as Tottenham head coach today ahead of Sunday's trip to Sunderland, and the club's news has had its usual dimness.
The injury list that has defined Spurs' season is no shorter now than it was when he walked through the door, and De Zerbi himself acknowledged the magnitude of his legacy, admitting that he “hasn't been very lucky” since his arrival.
Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert are all long-term absentees with little hope of playing before the end of the campaign, but there is hope for James Maddison's return before the final whistle of 2025/26.
Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Mohammed Kudus are also absent, with the pair now facing the possibility of surgery after setbacks in his recovery – meaning the Ghanaian's entire campaign and World Cup hopes are now very much in doubt.
De Zerbi had placed Kudus as a key figure in his plans before news of his possible surgery emerged.
“Kudus was an important player in my mind, especially in this position,” he said.
“But we have to look forward.”
Meanwhile, players like Pape Matar Sarr and Mathys Tel are knocking around since the international break and are not guaranteed to play, but there is hope that Tel can play.
De Zerbi asks Tottenham to sign the “young star” wanted by Arsenal in 2023, he is willing to join them.
The Italian has put himself on the list for a summer move.
De Zerbi also confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur was on the training ground but not yet fully fit.
In goal on Sunday, Antonin Kinsky will start in place of the absent Guglielmo Vicario.
The Czech goalkeeper made his first start since struggling in the Champions League against Atlético Madrid, a night that ended with him being substituted after just 17 minutes.
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Tottenham's last seven Premier League games in the delivery of the axe |
The day |
|---|---|
|
Sunderland (away) |
April 12 |
|
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 |
De Zerbi will be tasked with regaining his confidence.
However, there was one piece of encouraging news from the press conference: Vicario could be back in the picture as early as next week.
Guglielmo Vicario is on the verge of a return to Tottenham after surgery
The Italian had hernia surgery during the international break, and the club hoped he could return within a month of the operation.
De Zerbi confirmed on Friday that Sunday is coming soon, but is hopeful that Inter Milan targets will return within days of their trip to the Stadium of Light.
“Vicario is not ready for this game,” said De Zerbi.
“I hope he'll be back early next week, but I don't know yet.”
The phrase is cautious, as you would expect from a manager who has already faced many good times turning sour this season.
But “early next week” is important – it points to the possible return of Brighton's visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Saturday, which would give Spurs their first-choice goalkeeper back for six of their remaining seven games if all goes to plan.
Vicario's impact on this squad goes beyond what he produces between the posts.
De Zerbi's system at every club he has managed has required a goalkeeper who is comfortable operating as a sweeper and a deep-lying footballer – qualities Kinsky possesses in theory but has struggled to prove under pressure.
Bringing Vicario back, even in midweek, will allow De Zerbi to use his ideas more effectively and give the defenders more confidence in the way they set up their defensive line.
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The new manager is doing a great job.
