Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, is already facing a familiar challenge at the club — injuries. Previous managers Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank both dealt with numerous absentees, and De Zerbi arrives with around 10 players doubtful ahead of the Premier League trip to Sunderland A.F.C. this weekend. With Spurs still chasing their first league win of 2026, the Italian will be hoping for improved fitness within the squad.
Here’s a simplified update on the injured players:
Mathys Tel: Picked up a thigh/hip issue but has returned to training and could be available for the weekend.
Pape Matar Sarr: Suffered a shoulder injury on international duty and hasn’t been seen in training yet. Return date unclear.
Guglielmo Vicario: Recently had hernia surgery; a return later this month looks more likely than this weekend.
Mohammed Kudus: Recovering well from a serious quad injury and could rejoin the squad soon after the international break.
Yves Bissouma: Still recovering from a muscle problem, with no clear timeline yet.
James Maddison: Making good progress in ACL recovery and targeting a return before the end of next month.
Rodrigo Bentancur: Ahead of schedule after hamstring surgery and could return later this month.
Dejan Kulusevski: Closing in on a comeback from a knee injury and aiming to be fit before next month.
Ben Davies: Recovering from ankle surgery; return date still unknown.
Wilson Odobert: Out long-term with an ACL injury and expected back later this year.
Overall, De Zerbi inherits a squad heavily affected by injuries, with several key players still sidelined or racing to regain fitness ahead of crucial upcoming matches.
