Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi says Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus could be included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle.
Kudus has been edging closer to a return to action, although De Zerbi stopped short of confirming that the 25-year-old will be available to play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Speaking at a news conference at Hotspur Way on Friday, De Zerbi was asked about the latest fitness situation within his squad ahead of the club’s second game of the season.
The Italian confirmed that new arrivals Savio and Omar Marmoush are available for selection, while defenders Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro are also fit.
However, Kudus remains a decision that will be made closer to kick-off.
“Maybe Kudus can come on the bench,” De Zerbi stated. “We have to see.”
The comments provide the clearest indication yet that Kudus is approaching a return, but De Zerbi’s cautious response means there is no guarantee the Ghana international will be involved against Newcastle.
The manager is expected to make a late decision on the forward as he assesses how best to use the players available to him.
Tottenham are seeking their first points of the campaign after beginning the season with a defeat by Brentford. De Zerbi acknowledged that there is still work to do before he settles on his starting XI, with the manager focused on finding the right combination within his squad.
He said the availability of several players has given him more options, but stressed that he must assess how the team should approach the opening stages of the game.
“We have to look, we have to understand the beginning part of the game,” De Zerbi added, referencing other players like Savio and Pedro (Porro) who are also available. “Like Savio, like Pedro. Marmoush is available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game.”
The comments suggest that some players who are fit could still begin the match on the bench, with De Zerbi considering how to achieve the right balance in his team.
For Kudus, even a place among the substitutes would represent a significant step towards a full return. The manager has not ruled out the possibility of using him during the game, but will first have to determine whether the Ghanaian is ready to contribute.
Tottenham will be hoping for a stronger performance after their opening-day loss to Brentford. De Zerbi said his side must show greater determination while also improving the quality of their football.
The manager’s emphasis on fighting harder comes as Spurs prepare to face a youthful Newcastle side in the Saturday evening fixture.
Kudus’ potential return therefore adds another point of interest ahead of the match. While his availability remains uncertain, De Zerbi’s comments indicate that the forward is at least close enough to being considered for selection.
The final decision is expected to come before the 5:30pm kick-off, when De Zerbi will know whether Kudus is fit enough to take a place on the bench or whether he will have to wait longer before returning to competitive action.
For Tottenham, the immediate priority is to respond to the Brentford defeat and claim their first points of the season. Whether Kudus can play a part in that effort remains one of the key decisions facing De Zerbi before Saturday’s encounter.
