Tottenham face injury worry before Sunderland trip as Roberto De Zerbi takes charge | OneFootball

Tottenham have an injury concern over midfielder Pape Sarr after he missed Senegal’s friendly with Gambia on Tuesday because of a shoulder problem, Senegalese media reported, as Roberto De Zerbi begins life in charge.

According to Sunderland Echo, De Zerbi was confirmed as Spurs head coach on Tuesday on a five-year deal. Press Association understands the contract has no relegation release clause despite the club sitting one point above the Premier League’s bottom three.

With seven games left and no league win in 2026, he has little time before a trip to Sunderland amid an ongoing injury crisis in N17.

Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus are among those already sidelined or unavailable at Hotspur Way.

De Zerbi’s appointment has also drawn opposition from sections of the fanbase, with three supporters’ groups issuing ‘No to De Zerbi’ statements on Friday over past comments about Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling or coercive behaviour and assault, but the CPS dropped the case in February 2023 after witness withdrawals and new material, citing no realistic prospect of conviction. He denied the charges and joined Marseille in 2024.

In November, De Zerbi said Greenwood was a good person who had paid a heavy price. The Supporters’ Trust, Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach expressed unease about his appointment while pledging to keep backing the team. Press Association understands Spurs discussed the remarks during talks.

Source: Sunderland Echo