Tottenham hit by Pape Sarr injury concern as Roberto De Zerbi era begins | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham reign has begun with an injury concern, with Pape Sarr missing Senegal’s latest friendly as Spurs prepare to visit Sunderland.

Senegalese media report that the midfielder, who played in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru, was omitted to face Gambia on Tuesday due to a shoulder problem.

De Zerbi was confirmed as head coach on Tuesday on a five-year deal. Spurs are one point above the Premier League bottom three and have seven games left, having not won a league match in 2026.

The new manager inherits a lengthy absentee list at Hotspur Way, with Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus previously sidelined or currently unavailable.

His appointment has met opposition from parts of the fanbase. Three supporters’ groups issued ‘No to De Zerbi’ statements on Friday, citing past remarks about Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm after images and videos were posted online. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in February 2023 due to withdrawn key witnesses and new material, saying there was no realistic prospect of conviction. He denied the charges, resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust later raised serious and far-reaching concerns. Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach expressed cultural and inclusion-related unease, while stressing continued backing for the team and community.

Source: Sunderland Echo