Sunderland vs Spurs early team news as injuries assessed for Stadium of Light clash | OneFootball

Sunderland restart their Premier League campaign against Spurs on Sunday, a 14:00 kick-off at the Stadium of Light. The stakes are high after the Tyne-Wear derby comeback and with Spurs seeking breathing space from the relegation zone.

According to Sunderland Echo, Roberto De Zerbi takes charge for the first time since replacing Igor Tudor, having had a full week with his new squad.

Both sides reported timely returns before the break. Reinildo, Enzo Le Fee and Nordi Mukiele are expected to play bigger roles for the hosts, while Conor Gallagher, Joao Palinha and Lucas Bergvall should be ready to contribute for Spurs.

Guglielmo Vicario is a major doubt after hernia surgery during the break. He is due back this month but Sunday might come too soon, and if so Antonin Kinsky is set for his first appearance since he was withdrawn in the first half of the Champions League first leg defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Mathys Tel is available after being pictured in training following the Nottingham Forest defeat.

Dan Ballard remains a major doubt after a hamstring issue that ruled him out of the derby and Northern Ireland’s play-off defeat to Italy. It is unclear if he will return after a month since the Brighton loss, and Sunderland do not need to take undue risks.

Robin Roefs is also a doubt as he recovers from a hamstring problem that was not considered serious. After around five weeks out, there is some hope he could be available this weekend.

Source: Sunderland Echo