Tottenham are without both Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario for today’s must-win clash with Wolves in the Premier League.
Left-back Udogie, who only recently returned from a hamstring issue, has picked up a new muscle injury.
First-choice goalkeeper Vicario, meanwhile, has missed Spurs’ last two games after undergoing hernia surgery during the March international break.
Udogie has struggled for fitness throughout his time at Spurs so far, and has already missed 12 games this season with two separate hamstring injuries.
The Italian has started both of De Zerbi’s first two games in charge, but will now miss out against Wolves, with Djed Spence likely to deputise in his absence.
De Zerbi said he expected to have Vicario back in training at the start of this week, but the player will not travel to Molineux. It is hoped now that he can resume training at the start of next week.
Xavi Simons, who scored and assisted on a frustrating afternoon against Brighton, starts despite being seen hobbling through the mixed zone at full-time.
The Dutch midfielder, who was visibly struggling with cramp towards the end of the Brighton game, will surely reprise his role in the starting lineup after an impressive display last weekend.
Rodrigo Bentancur also starts for the second successive game following his return from a hamstring injury.
The Uruguayan provided energy and dynamism to Spurs’ midfield against Brighton, and De Zerbi is likely to opt for the same combination for the trip to Wolves.