De Zerbi confirmed as Tottenham head coach as Sarr injury worry emerges before Sunderland | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi was confirmed on Tuesday as Tottenham head coach on a five-year deal, and the Press Association understands it does not include a relegation release clause, with Spurs one point above the bottom three. His first week brings an injury concern over Pape Sarr before the trip to Sunderland.

Sarr linked up with Senegal last week, played in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru, then was omitted against Gambia on Tuesday because of a shoulder problem, according to Senegalese media.

With seven games left, De Zerbi inherits a side still seeking a first league win of 2026 and absentees including Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus.

His appointment has faced opposition from sections of the fanbase, with three supporters’ groups issuing No to De Zerbi statements over past remarks about Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in February 2023 after charging Greenwood in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. It cited the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material, saying there was no realistic prospect of conviction. Greenwood denied the charges and joined Marseille in 2024.

In November, De Zerbi said Greenwood was a good person who had paid a heavy price and that he was saddened by events. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust outlined serious concerns, while Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach said they disagree with the hire but will back the team.

Source: Sunderland Echo