Roberto De Zerbi's first match in charge of Tottenham Hotspur will be a baptism of fire, as the new boss confirmed a string of key absences for this weekend's crucial trip to Sunderland. With just seven games to save Spurs' Premier League status, the Italian manager faces an immediate challenge.

The most significant blow is to attacker Mohammed Kudus, who has suffered a setback in his recovery from a quad injury. The club confirmed he now requires further specialist review and potentially surgery, a major disappointment for a player De Zerbi described as "crucial."

Between the posts, first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will also be absent after undergoing hernia surgery during the international break. De Zerbi hopes for a return next week, meaning a likely start for backup Antonin Kinsky, who will be eager to move past a difficult prior European outing.

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, working his way back from a hamstring issue, is training with the squad but is not yet fully match-fit. Despite the setbacks, De Zerbi remained defiant, stating, "We are enough to fight and to play and to make points." His tenure begins with an immediate test of squad depth and resilience.