Roberto De Zerbi begins his reign at Tottenham this weekend and has already been dealt an injury blow, making his task to keep Spurs in the Premier League even more challenging
Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus could require surgery after suffering a setback on his return from injury. Kudus, 25, has been out since January after injuring his quad during Spurs' 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.
The Ghana international returned to training last week under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, who'll take charge of his first game this Sunday. But like seven of his team-mates, Kudus won't be involved after Tottenham confirmed that he's back on the sidelines.
Spurs said in a statement on Thursday: "We can confirm that Mohammed Kudus has suffered a setback in his return from injury. The Ghana international forward suffered a significant quad injury during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland in January.
"He had returned to team training during the past week, however will now require further specialist review and, potentially, surgery. We will provide any relevant further updates in due course."
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Kudus will be desperate to avoid a long layoff, both to help Tottenham in their fight to avoid relegation and represent Ghana at this summer's World Cup. His country have been placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
Back in North London, De Zerbi has been given a five-year contract and an immediate goal: to stay up. After Igor Tudor's nightmare seven-game spell, Spurs are 17th in the table, just one point and place above the relegation zone.
"I'm here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games," De Zerbi told club media. "In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important.
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"There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show. I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what."
The former Brighton boss added: "In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players."