Sunderland return to Premier League action when they face Spurs on Sunday afternoon
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will be unavailable to face Sunderland on Sunday.
Vicario underwent surgery for a pre-existing hernia issue over the recent break and though Spurs are hopeful he'll return this month, this game at the Stadium of Light will come too soon. De Zerbi also confirmed that midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur remains absent, after winger Mohammed Kudus was ruled out earlier this week. De Zerbi, though, insists he has the options to manage.
"Vicario is not ready for this game," De Zerbi said.
"I hope he can come back next week but I don't know yet. Bentancur is working with us but not completely but we have enough to fight, to play, to make points.
"I started with not big luck! Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position. But we have to look forward. I think we have a lot of very good attackers. Kolo Muani I know is not playing a good season but he is a good player. Mathys Tel I wanted at Marseille, Xavi is a big talent. Richarlison and Solanke as well, I mean you probably know better than me."
While Spurs could be in the relegation zone by the time Sunday's game kicks off, De Zerbi insists he is confident he has the tools he needs to succeed over the final seven games.
"In the last period I watch a lot of games, especially of Tottenham and yes, one thing is to watch the game at home and a different thing is to work with them on the pitch," De Zerbi said. "We have very big players, young players Bergvall, Archie Gray, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, but in a way we have older players that are important like Van de Ven. Van de Ven is a crucial player for me like Romero, like Porro, like Solanke. I want to see again the same Gallagher I loved in Chelsea time. And I think I am lucky because I have a big confidence in my players and their qualities. For me, my target is to help them to play well and to enjoy with the ball because their characteristics are very clear for me."
Sunderland injury update ahead of Spurs clash
Meanwhile, Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris confirmed that Robin Roefs would be back in contention for Sunday’s game.
“We have Jocelin, Romaine, Bertrand and Simon sidelined for this game,” Le Bris said.
“For Ballard and Nilson, they are close to returning back but it will be a bit short for Tottenham. For the rest of the group, they are available.“
Ben Davies, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevki and Wilson Odobert remain absent for the visitors.
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