Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Cameron Smith

Fri 10 April 2026 8:10, UK

Lucas Bergvall could return to the starting XI as Roberto De Zerbi takes to the dugout for the first time as Tottenham Hotspur boss.

The Italian took charge over the international break, with Spurs sat in a precarious position just outside the relegation zone.

The remit for now is to simply keep the Lilywhites in the Premier League, while fans will be eager to see the foundations laid for the exciting football seen during his previous spell in England, when the Italian guided Brighton to the Europa League.

Taking over a squad riddled with injuries, the first lineup selection is not set to be the easiest decision of De Zerbi’s career.

Though the hope will be that the old adage of ‘new manager bounce’ applies as Tottenham take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Injury delay for Mohammed Kudus sends Roberto De Zerbi back to drawing board

Making the move from West Ham last summer, Mohammed Kudus has been involved in each of Spurs’ seven league wins this season.

While his return of three goals and six assists in 26 appearances is not all too impressive, he often found himself the singular driving force behind Tottenham’s attack under Thomas Frank.

Back in January, the Ghanaian wideman was ruled out for multiple months due to a quad issue. And now, after being eased back into training, the club have confirmed that there has been a setback on his recovery – sending new boss De Zerbi back to the drawing board.

Though on a more positive note, midfielder Bergvall was back involved in the 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest before the international break, and featured for Sweden as they secured their World Cup qualification.

With the squad thin, the young midfielder will most likely find his way into De Zerbi’s first lineup, where he could play alongside Archie Gray.

Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will all likely miss Sunday’s clash, leaving the squad thin.

The obvious absentees make this even more of a problem for De Zerbi, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Yves Bissouma and Kudus all spending months on the sidelines.

Big test for Roberto De Zerbi in Tottenham bow

When it comes to your first match in charge of a club, there aren’t many more difficult places to go than the Stadium of Light.

Following their ascent to the Premier League last May, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have taken to the division like a duck to water – leaving them 11th in the standings, 13 points clear of Tottenham, who remain locked in a battle for their survival.

And while Sunderland’s form has dipped since the turn of the year, the confidence will still be flowing after their last gasp winner against rivals Newcastle before the break.

If Spurs are able to make the trip to the North East, silence the crowd and bring home the points, it will be a very successful weekend for the Lilywhites.

With West Ham hosting Wolves on Friday, the chance is there for Tottenham to drop into the relegation zone before Sunday’s clash.

Winning for the first time since December and climbing back out of the drop zone would be the perfect start for the new boss.