Sunderland hint at injury boost as Spurs confirm Mohammed Kudus setback | OneFootball

Sunderland have been handed a lift before hosting Spurs, with Robin Roefs pictured back in training at the Academy of Light. His availability for Sunday is still unclear, though this has been the target.

The goalkeeper has been out since the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in February and missed the Netherlands’ recent internationals. While Melker Ellborg has made a steady start since arriving from Malmo, Roefs returning would be a significant boost for the run-in.

Reinildo and Enzo Le Fée trained and look in line for greater involvement after late cameos against Newcastle United. Nordi Mukiele also took part after being an unused substitute in the Tyne-Wear derby win on his calf return.

Dan Ballard remains a major doubt with a hamstring problem. The game is expected to come too soon for Bertrand Traoré, Nilson Angulo, Romaine Mundle and Jocelin Ta Bi, though Angulo has resumed some individual work.

Roberto De Zerbi faces a blow for his first match in charge, with Mohammed Kudus suffering a setback in his recovery from a quad injury. The club said in a statement that he returned to team training last week but now needs specialist review and potentially surgery, with updates to follow. The extent is unclear and there are concerns he may miss the rest of the campaign.

Spurs are one point above the bottom three, with both head coaches due to speak on Friday. Sunderland’s status is all but secure, and a top-half push and possible European qualification remain in play.

Source: Sunderland Echo