Roberto De Zerbi handed potential boost before Sunderland opener | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi prepares for his first Spurs match at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, with possible good news on Mathys Tel.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, Tel had been an early doubt after picking up an injury in the defeat to Nottingham Forest before the break and withdrew from France U21 duty. Club footage of De Zerbi's first session showed the forward back on the grass.

In his first interview, De Zerbi said he will remain at the club next season regardless of whether relegation is avoided over the next seven games. He hinted limited time on the training ground means short-term pragmatism, while aiming to honour Spurs' possession-based traditions.

He stressed the focus is Sunderland only, preparing game by game. He wants courage and organisation with and without the ball, asking all 11 to attack and defend, and to play to the squad's qualities.

Conor Gallagher, Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha also featured in the training clips after recent injuries. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is a major doubt following hernia surgery during the break. Pape Sarr is a fresh doubt with a shoulder issue sustained with Senegal.

Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur could be in contention at the Stadium of Light after starting individual work before the break. Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma are pushing to return this month, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are hoping to be back before the end of the campaign. Wilson Odobert remains a long-term absentee with an ACL injury.

Source: Sunderland Echo