Tottenham Hotspur are battling relegation from the Premier League, but the next manager could have Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mathys Tel available for the crucial match against Sunderland
The next Tottenham Hotspur manager could have three high-profile players returning to the matchday squad ahead of the final Premier League push of the season. In less than a fortnight, the Lilywhites will embark on the final stretch of their relegation battle when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
With only seven matches remaining, just a single point – and a substantial goal difference – stands between Tottenham and West Ham in the bottom three. Following a mutual parting of ways with Igor Tudor, Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange have been charged with finding a manager capable of keeping Spurs in the top flight.
football.london understands that the Lilywhites are anticipating appointing a head coach within the next few days. Tottenham are keen to have someone in position to welcome back those who have been away on international duty, giving the squad adequate time to prepare for the trip to the North East on April 12.
It is also understood that Spurs are in advanced negotiations with Roberto De Zerbi regarding the vacant role. The Italian, who departed Marseille earlier this season, was initially hesitant to take on the position before the campaign's conclusion, despite being eager for a return to the Premier League.
However, it's reported that there's an increasing willingness from both parties to finalise a deal. If De Zerbi were to assume control at Tottenham, he'd have just under a fortnight to familiarise himself at Hotspur Way before guiding his new squad into action, reports Football London.
Although Sunderland may believe they have a chance against Spurs, having secured victory in the Tyne-Wear derby just before the international break, Spurs could see three significant names return to the matchday squad: Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mathys Tel.
Kudus sustained a hamstring injury in January, and he's yet to make his comeback. Speaking to reporters ahead of Tottenham's fixture against Nottingham Forest earlier this month, Tudor suggested the winger could rejoin partial first-team training before April.
Bentancur had surgery on a hamstring injury in January. The former interim Spurs boss placed the midfielder in the same category as Kudus, stating that he, too, has been making positive progress with his rehabilitation.
Tel picked up a knock during the loss to Forest just before the international break, and was compelled to leave the pitch. The forward subsequently pulled out of international duty, having been selected by the France Under-21s.
Meanwhile, Ben Davies had surgery for a fracture of his left ankle at the beginning of the year. As things stand, it remains uncertain whether the defender will be back before the season concludes, however, he has been suggested as a potential short-term solution in the dugout. James Maddison has also been intensifying his preparations ahead of a potential comeback before the season draws to a close. The midfielder, who suffered a rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the summer, has recently rejoined first-team training as he works to rebuild his match fitness.
Yves Bissouma has been managing a muscle injury. Having missed a substantial portion of the season with a knee complaint, the midfielder featured in eight consecutive Premier League matches before being sidelined once again.
Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski remains absent with a complex knee injury, as does Wilson Odobert, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last month.