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Roberto De Zerbi could add one of the Championship's most promising young players to the Tottenham Hotspur squad next season.

Ashley Phillips has been shortlisted for the Championship's young player of the season award. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has made an excellent impression during his second spell on loan at Stoke City, playing more than any other player aged 20 or under in the second tier of English football.

Phillips, who the Lilywhites signed from Blackburn for just £3million in August 2023, has featured 36 times in the Championship this term, helping the Potters keep one of the best defensive records. In fact, only Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough have conceded fewer goals than Stoke, and they sit first, second, and third, respectively.

The England Under-21 International, who's also eligible to play for Wales, has been nominated alongside Jordan James at Leicester City, Sydie Peck at Sheffield United, and Bobby Clark at Derby County for the young player of the season award. The winner will be announced at the EFL Awards on Sunday, April 19, which is set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.

Although he's only recently taken the reins at Hotspur Way, Roberto De Zerbi will be delighted with Phillips' development. When the youngster returns to north London in the summer, he'll hope to force himself into the new manager's plans.

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Last month, Mark Robins handed Phillips the captain's armband for the first time. The Tottenham defender repaid his manager's faith, leading Stoke to a 3-3 draw against the Tractor Boys at the Bet365 Stadium.

During an interview with StokeLive back in February, Phillips admitted that he would be open to extending his stay with the Potters. The centre-back said: "I’d love to.

"It’s a fantastic club, but we’ve got to see how the season finishes and then go from there for next year," continued Phillips. "“I love being here, it’s a fantastic club.

"I’m very thankful for how they’ve developed me as a player. I feel like I owe everything to Stoke and that’s why I’ve been so keen to achieve great things this season, which I’m still positive about.

"I forget sometimes I’m a loan player too. It feels like I’ve been here forever, to be fair. It’s a great club. The fans are great, the staff are great. I’m loving my time here."

Phillips has been working closely with the Spurs loan manager, Andy Scoulding, during his spell at Stoke. The youngster said: "He’s very happy with how things are going. He keeps in contact pretty much every week, asking about the game, how it’s gone.

"They’re making sure I’m on the right path. I’ve improved so much, and I’m thankful to all the staff here and all the players here. I’m very happy with my development, but I know I can push on even more. I have to keep kicking on.

"For a centre-back, it’s all about experience. You learn from each game you play. I’ve made just over 100 appearances now at the age of 20, which is a great start, and it’s one of the goals I’ve set when I was very young. I need to keep playing those games and keep learning."

Phillips hasn't got on the scoresheet this season, but he's looking to follow in the footsteps of a Chelsea legend. The Spurs loanee said: "I’ve been getting on the end of quite a few things to be fair, and it can be frustrating.

"I just have to keep it down a little bit. It’s a positive that I’m getting a lot of first contacts, but I need to hit the back of the net eventually. You look at the best centre-backs like John Terry, and he probably scored 10-plus in a season.

"You’re looking at players like that and it’s definitely one of my goals. Hopefully I can get a couple before the end of the season. It’s one of the things (Stoke coach) Ryan Shawcross boasts about to me.

"I think he scored near 10 in his first season here. I definitely ask him for advice and he gives it to me, it’s just about putting it into play."

Johan Lange has already outlined Tottenham Hotspur's 'big ambitions' to strengthen the squad in the summer, which will be music to the ears of Roberto De Zerbi

As many as four Tottenham Hotspur players could be offloaded before the transfer window opens. This summer, Roberto De Zerbi will be determined to bolster his squad, regardless of whether the Lilywhites are relegated from the Premier League.

In order to implement his ideas and play the free-flowing football that earned recognition from Pep Guardiola, the Italian will need to welcome some new faces to Hotspur Way. Equally, however, he will also need to dump those that are surplus to requirement.

Fortunately for De Zerbi, Johan Lange has already outlined his 'big ambitions' to strengthen the team in the summer. Speaking to club media earlier this year, the Spurs sporting director said: "The summer market is where eight or nine out of 10 players, they move clubs, so we will go into the summer window with big ambitions of strengthening the team.

"We know there'll be more movements, we know there'll be more opportunities, so the plans are already, can you see, drawn up. We have a clear picture of which position and also which profiles.

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"Could we have brought one or two more in this January window? We would have been delighted to do so, but that was not a possibility. So, we are looking forward to the summer, now we focus on the rest of the season and that is very, very important as well because we have big objectives."

Lange added: "We want to, of course, be higher in the Premier League and then myself and others will have our eyes already now directed towards the summer transfer window."

So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the four players fighting for a future at Tottenham.

Yves Bissouma

Yves Bissouma is one of three players whose contract will expire at the end of the season. After missing a large chunk of the campaign with a knee problem, the 29-year-old midfielder only managed to play eight Premier League games before returning to the sidelines with a muscle injury.

If Bissouma wants a future at Tottenham, he'll have to impress his boss in the final weeks of the campaign. Although the Mali international has never played for De Zerbi, having left Brighton shortly before the Italian took the reins, he did well in a similar system under Graham Potter.

Ben Davies

Ben Davies also only has a few months left on his contract at Tottenham. The 32-year-old defender underwent a second operation in January on an ankle injury he suffered during a defeat to West Ham a few days prior, and he hasn't featured again since.

As it stands, it remains unclear exactly when Davies will return to action. Interestingly, the Wales international was mooted as a potential candidate for an interim head coach role when Igor Tudor parted ways with Spurs.

Joao Palhinha

When Tottenham signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich last summer, they included an option-to-buy clause. The 30-year-old, who joined the Lilywhites a year after the Bundesliga champions paid Fulham £47m for his signature, has two years left on his deal at the Allianz Arena.

If Palhinha wants a future at Spurs, he'll need to prove his worth to De Zerbi. The Italian likes his midfielders to receive the ball under pressure and beat the press, so the Portugal international will have his work cut out in the coming weeks.

Richarlison

Richarlison will enter the final year of his contract this summer. Although the 28-year-old striker won't be under as much pressure as others on this list to perform, the end-of-season run-in could still define his future at Tottenham.

From January, foreign clubs will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with Richarlison over a free transfer, unless he signs a new deal beforehand. If the Brazil international doesn't pen an extension, Spurs will have a decision to make. The Lilywhites will have to consider whether they'd rather lose Richarlison for free or cut their losses and cash in during the upcoming transfer window. Tottenham forked out £60m to sign the Brazilian from Everton in July 2022.

Roberto De Zerbi has added two coaches to his backroom staff ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Sunderland. The Italian will lead the Lilywhites out for the very first time on Sunday afternoon, when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Marcattilio Marcattilii and Marcello Quinto have been appointed as the new first team fitness coach and senior professional development phase coach, respectively. They have joined Bruno Saltor (assistant coach), who stayed behind following the departure of Igor Tudor, in the dugout.

Together, they'll work closely with Andreas Georgson (assistant coach), Cameron Campbell (individual development coach) and Fabian Otte (goalkeeping coach) on the coaching staff. Stuart Lewis and Dean Brill will continue to support the first-team setup.

Marcattilii crossed paths with De Zerbi at Foggia in 2015, and he's been part of his backroom staff ever since. Meanwhile, Quinto has worked the new Tottenham boss over the last three years during spells at both Brighton and Marseille.

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Shorting after penning a five-year contract at Hotspur Way, De Zerbi outlined his plan to climb the Premier League table. The Lilywhites are just one point, and a hefty goal difference, away from the bottom three, and they could fall into the relegation zone if they lose to Sunderland this weekend.

In an interview with club media, the Italian said: "I'm very happy and very proud to be here. I consider Tottenham one of the most important clubs in the world, so I'm very happy.

"I have a big responsibility, it's a big challenge and I'm looking forward to start and to work with the players and to win some games. I watched a lot of games, especially in the last period. I know very well the players.

"I love football, so I watch many, many games per week. I know everything. I know it's a tough moment for Tottenham, I know very well it's a tough moment. It's a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham.

"I think we have the right qualities to come out from this moment. I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are, because we have very big players and we have to work on their confidence and the qualities of them.

"They have to show what they are and what they are used to playing."

De Zerbi quickly turned his attention to the clash in the North East. The Spurs gaffer said: "I think we have to be focused just on the Sunderland game.

"I don't want to listen to people speaking about the schedule or the Brighton game or the Wolverhampton game. Game by game, we have to prepare the players to win the game and to be focused just on the game.

"We have to play with courage. We have to play with the qualities of the players, because if I accepted this challenge, it's because I have a big confidence in the players and the history of Tottenham football is a very clear style of play.

"We are lucky, I am lucky, because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities."

Tottenham Hotspur look set to welcome some big names back to the matchday squad before the end of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi may have to wait until the end of April before he can unleash Tottenham Hotspur's secret weapon in the Premier League relegation battle. The Lilywhites are just one point – and a hefty goal difference – away from the bottom three, and they could fall into the relegation zone if they lose to Sunderland this weekend.

Spurs are yet to win a game in the English top-flight this year, so the Italian, who's been tasked with keeping them up, will be determined to taste victory at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately for Tottenham, West Ham have the opportunity to pile on the pressure.

The Hammers can set the pace on Friday night when they face Wolves at Molineux. Even if the Lilywhites surrender ground in the race for survival, they're set to welcome some big names back to the matchday squad before the end of the season – one of them being Mohammed Kudus.

The 25-year-old winger, who suffered a hamstring injury in January, could return to action later this month. Kudus has been pictured in first-team training ahead of Tottenham's clash against the Black Cats.

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Although his inclusion in the matchday squad would be a huge boost, Igor Tudor previously suggested that the Ghana international wouldn't be available until the end of April, when Spurs face Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, April 25

Speaking to reporters ahead of Spurs' clash against Nottingham Forest, the former interim boss appeared to put a 10-day return date – from the first day back after the international break – on Kudus. That would rule him out of clashes against Sunderland and Brighton.

However, it remains unclear exactly when Kudus will be back, and De Zerbi will be expected to provide an update when he faces the media on Friday afternoon. When the Italian decides the time is right, he'll be playing his trump card.

The Ghanaian, whom Tottenham signed from West Ham for £55m in the summer, enjoyed a brilliant start to life in north London, scoring one goal and providing five assists in his first seven Premier League games. Kudus had helped Spurs climb into third place.

Even when the forward suffered a hamstring injury during the draw to Sunderland, he left Spurs just a handful of points from the top half of the table. Kudus was the shining light for Tottenham, and it's no coincidence that Tottenham nosedived into a relegation battle in his absence.

According to Statmuse, despite having spent the last three months on the sidelines, only three players have managed to complete more successful dribbles in the Premier League this season than Kudus (51). Jeremy Doku (59) tops the charts; he's closely followed by Yankuba Minteh (55) and Iliman Ndiaye (54).

The Tottenham winger will undoubtedly become a key player for De Zerbi during the run-in, and for years to come. During his first interview as Spurs boss last week, he outlined his immediate plans for Kudus and the rest of the squad.

"I love keeping the ball," De Zerbi told the in-house media team. "I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.

"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. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities."

Sean Dyche has now addressed reports that linked him with taking over at Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season prior to Roberto De Zerbi becoming their latest manager

Sean Dyche has claimed no amount of money would have convinced him to take the Tottenham Hotspur job. Spurs sit just one point above the relegation zone and are yet to win a game in the Premier League this calendar year.

And Dyche was one of the names linked with replacing Igor Tudor ahead of his short and calamitous reign coming to an end last month.

The 54-year-old was available for the job having been sacked by Nottingham Forest, but Spurs have since appointed Robert De Zerbi.

Dyche has now revealed that not only was he never approached by Tottenham to become their next manager, but he wouldn't have taken the job anyway.

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"I didn't laugh it off, by the way; I told a true story," he said on talkSPORT. "I spend a lot of time in London, not working but socially and I just happened to be here at the same time the Tottenham job opened.

"Once you're in the city, people put two and two together and it was never about getting drawn into the rumours. I'm telling the truth, there was a lot of speculation and talk and I was playing it down correctly so.

"It's no disrespect to anyone, it's a brilliant club and I've said that, but it's nonsense to pre-suppose an outcome just because you're in the same city."

When asked if he had a conversation with members of the Spurs hierarchy by talkSPORT’s Jim White, Dyche replied: "No, I did not."

Before he explained why he would never have taken the job anyway, revealing: "Obviously in the career I have, it does pay well, but I wouldn't go in there looking for money.

"They could offer me a massive amount of money, I’m sure they’re capable of it and allegedly they’ve offered [Roberto] De Zerbi a massive amount of money.

"It would have been about what are you [Spurs] going to help me gain as a human being. What would I gain?

"Let's say you go in there and get the job done [not get relegated], then next season if you’re not in the top four and the football’s not what they want, then you're rubbish and they want you out.

"So you’re not going to gain a lot there, are you? And that’s if you get the job done, because it’s not easy.

Tottenham are currently focused on securing Premier League safety but whatever happens, Roberto De Zerbi is expected to remain in charge of Spurs after signing a five-year contract

Roberto De Zerbi is currently prioritising Premier League safety with Tottenham but beyond that, there's hope of a brighter future under the Italian.

Whatever division the club are playing their football in next season, a squad refresh feels highly necessary. But it's important the club does not overlook some of the top young talent already on their books or alternatively, out on loan.

So what could De Zerbi's XI look like next season before the club delves into the transfer market? Well, Guglielmo Vicario looks highly likely to depart and return to Italy where Inter Milan are courting his services.

Vicario is focused on helping Tottenham secure safety following hernia surgery but his future at the club is in huge doubt.

There's a chance De Zerbi could test Antonin Kinsky because the Czech is supposed to be good with his feet despite his disaster against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

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If De Zerbi chooses a 4-2-3-1 formation, which he utilised at Brighton, Destiny Udogie or Souza will start at left-back. Micky van de Ven, providing he stays put, could start at centre-back alongside Luka Vuskovic.

It seems probable that captain Cuti Romero could seek to explore his options at the end of the season despite penning a new long-term contract last August.

At right-back, Pedro Porro should keep his spot. In midfield, Archie Gray and the returning James Maddison could play as a double pivot.

Mikey Moore could be the man to fix Tottenham's left-wing problems following his productive loan spell at Rangers while Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski could battle it out for the No.10 role once 'Deki' makes a full recovery after 11 months on the sidelines.

On the right, Mohammed Kudus is a shoo-in. The Ghana international will be back soon following an adductor injury and he has been sorely missed on the flank.

In attack, Dominic Solanke remains the favourite to lead the line but Will Lankshear shouldn't be discounted as the 20-year-old is now up to 10 goals in all competitions on loan at Oxford United.

While there's a firm argument Tottenham could benefit from the cultural and squad reset that would be forced upon them if they were relegated, there's still no reason why the likes of Vuskovic, Moore and Lankshear can't be integrated into the first-team picture under De Zerbi.

Not only would they save the club millions of pounds but they have great potential to kick on and become top players for Spurs.

Will Lankshear has assessed Oxford United's chances of staying in the Championship following a dramatic draw to Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Easter Monday.

Will Lankshear has sent a two-word message following Oxford United's dramatic draw to Portsmouth. The Tottenham Hotspur loanee fired the U's into a short-lived lead at Fratton Park on Easter Monday, scoring his ninth goal of the Championship campaign.

Keshi Anderson broke the deadlock on the south coast inside the opening quarter of an hour. Then, a few moments later, Connor Ogilvie took the wind out of his side's sails when he was given his marching orders after diving into a tackle on Stanley Mills.

Brodie Spencer levelled proceedings shortly after the break before Lankshear put Oxford United ahead. The 20-year-old striker leapt in front of his marker, leaving Nicolas Schmid rooted to the spot as he headed the ball into the top far corner.

Lankshear wheeled away in celebration before spreading his arms in front of the home supporters. The visitors' lead didn't last long, with Andre Dozzell pulling one back for John Mousinho's side in the final minutes of the game.

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Although Oxford United remain in the bottom three of the Championship, only four points separate them from West Brom in 20th, sandwiching Leicester City and Portsmouth.

The U's still have five games to climb out of the relegation zone, with one of those against Sheffield Wednesday, who have been rooted to the bottom of the table this season.

Nevertheless, after the draw to Pompey, Lankshear reflected on the result with a short and sweet social media post. Captioning a picture of himself celebrating his goal, the Tottenham loanee said: "Keep believing."

Lankshear has featured in all but two Championship games this season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists. He also found the net during a win over MK Dons in the third round of the FA Cup.

In an interview with OUTV, the youngster backed his side to stay in the division. Lankshear said: "It is extremely good to see [us fight]. We know we have to. We come out here after every game and say that we have got the spirit, we have got the drive.

"But in this league, it is incredibly tough. I think the league is going up in quality. We are going to need more. We are going to need more going into the next few games. I think we have got that, we have got that ability. The past eight games, I think we have played really, really well."

Meanwhile, speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Matt Bloomfield said: "We worked so incredibly hard to get our noses in front in the game against a tough opposition in such an incredible atmosphere.

"We feel terribly disappointed that we are not walking away with three points. We need to make sure we improve on conceding late goals like this.

"Nothing was decided today [in the relegation picture], it's my job now as the leader of the group to pick everybody up and make sure we get ready for the game at the weekend. We still have five games to go and we'll keep hunting."

Hamburger SV chief Eric Huwer has been discussing the potential permanent signing of Arsenal attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira and Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic

Hamburger SV chief Eric Huwer has made it clear the German club are willing to spend double digits (millions) on a single player again as he talked up the possibility of signing Arsenal attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira.

Vieira is currently on loan from the Gunners but has enjoyed life in the Bundesliga, scoring five goals and registering four assists.

Hamburg have a £17.3million buy-option they can formally trigger at the end of the season, though they will try and lower that figure if they decide to push ahead with a transfer.

Speaking to local newspaper Abendblatt, Huwer clarified the club's stance on signing Vieira, explaining: "The situation is relatively relaxed. Fabio feels very comfortable in Hamburg , and I don't get the impression that Arsenal is basing its long-term plans on him. Fabio knows exactly what he has in Hamburg and at HSV.

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"The fundamental question now is what the player wants. And if he wants to stay, then we'll sit down with the Arsenal management and discuss possible solutions – similar to what we did with Sambi.

"Then we'll see if a transfer is possible. We're ready to experience special moments with Fabio in the long term. Whether that works out and at what price, we'll see in the summer."

When pushed further on whether the club can afford such a deal, Huwer reference one of their other loanees, Tottenham's Luka Vuskovic.

He continued: "If it's an investment we're convinced of. For someone like Luka Vuskovic, whom we were completely convinced of, I'd gladly pay €12 or €13million. The money isn't 'gone' but invested in the future.

"We work with data, paying attention to age and position structure. Success rates are finite – they're people. But the better the profile, including personality structure, is analysed, the higher the probability of being rewarded for bold decisions."

Vuskovic has been a major hit in Germany at HSV and has already outlined his interest in playing alongside his brother Mario next season, hinting he would be open to a second loan.

However, Tottenham are likely to strongly consider integrating him into their first-team while Barcelona and other clubs are also monitoring the Croatia international.

Given HSV don't have a buy-option clause or a clause that entitles them to a fresh loan, Tottenham hold all the power where Vuskovic's future is concerned.

Roberto De Zerbi can add one of the most exciting young players in Europe to the Tottenham Hotspur squad next season.

Mikey Moore has staked a claim for a place in the Tottenham Hotspur squad next season, and Roberto De Zerbi mustn't be afraid to give him a chance. The 18-year-old winger has made an excellent impression while on loan at Rangers, proving that he's more than ready for a new challenge.

Moore has featured 27 times in the Scottish Premiership, scoring six goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role in Danny Rohl's side, the England Under-19 international has helped Rangers mount a bid for the title.

Although Moore will be determined to return to Hotspur Way with a piece of silverware, he's already done enough to justify a place in De Zerbi's squad. The teenager would flourish under the Italian, who has a brilliant record with the development of wingers.

Many of the leading goalscorers in teams managed by De Zerbi in the past have been wide players. The 46-year-old likes to funnel passages of play to touchline-hugging wingers, who are given the freedom to beat the full-back and exploit space in-behind.

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Moore would thrive in an expansive and free-flowing frontline. Although he wouldn't return to north London as an undisputed starter, the youngster could eventually become a key player once he masters the intricacies of De Zerbi's tactics.

Fortunately for Tottenham, Moore signed a new long-term contract around the time he joined Rangers on loan in the summer. In a recent interview with The Athletic, he admitted that it's been tough to see his parent club fight for survival in the Premier League.

Moore said: "It’s tough to see people you care about and some of your mates going through a tough time. It’s a club I care about so much. For us to be in the position we’re in is not nice.

"Sometimes I wish I could go back and help but there are some top players there who should be able to help get us out of the position we’re in and push on next season.

"There is enough quality in that team to get out of it," added Moore, who has four years or so left on his contract. "Whether it’s next year or the year after, I want to break in and make an impact.

"I helped out in some Premier League games (last season) and gave a good account of myself and in others I didn’t show enough. But now I’m at a point where I can make an impact. If that opportunities comes I would love to get a hold of it."

Although Moore has outlined his desire to play for Tottenham, he's previously left the door open to another spell at Rangers. Speaking to reporters last month, he said: "I’ve loved every single second I’ve been here, and I think the club is special and it’s special to me now.

"I don’t know what could happen, I have no clue. We’ll have conversations in the summer, and we’ll see what happens. People have spoken to me and the people around me, so conversations are happening."

Moore added: "I think this has been unbelievable for me. If it’s right for me next year, then I’d love to stay here. But we have to see what’s going to happen."

The Tottenham treatment room remains full of talented players but some of them are coming to the end of their road to recovery

Tottenham Hotspur have a new head coach in Roberto De Zerbi and he will already be well aware of the club's penchant for injuries.

The Italian's predecessors Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank both had to deal with double figures in terms of injury absences in their final weeks in the job and De Zerbi arrives with 10 players having been injury doubts ahead of Spurs' next Premier League match against Sunderland.

Tottenham make the trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday and the 46-year-old will be hoping for some change on the injury front if the club are to finally win a Premier League match in 2026.

So what's the latest with those in the Tottenham treatment room? Here's what we know about every one of De Zerbi's 10 injury doubts and potential return dates.

Mathys Tel

Tel had to come off in the defeat to Nottingham Forest with a problem in his thigh and hip area and subsequently withdrew from France U21 duty.

However, football.london reported the following week that the 20-year-old Frenchman was expected to be back in time to face Sunderland and lo and behold Tel could be spotted on the pitches of Hotspur Way with his team-mates in the recent images from De Zerbi's first session.

Return date: Sunderland on April 12

Pape Matar Sarr

The Senegal midfielder played in the 2-0 win against Peru but missed out on his country's 3-1 win over Gambia on Tuesday, and it was revealed ahead of the game that he had picked up an injury on international duty.

Local reports suggested the 23-year-old missed out on the game with a shoulder problem and Sarr has not been spotted yet in the training videos or photos from De Zerbi's first session.

If he is not back in training before then the new Spurs boss will likely deliver an update on the midfielder in his first press conference at the helm later this week.

Return date: Unknown

Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario played against Forest before undergoing hernia surgery the following day on a problem that has dogged him for months.

Spurs announced in the days before that the operation had been deliberately timed for the international break and the club's three week absence of fixtures in order to "have as minimal impact as possible". The club added that they hoped the Italian would be able to "return to action within the next month".

Vicario is a fast healer but he would need to be back in action on the training pitches very soon to be able to face Sunderland this weekend.

Return date: Perhaps Sunderland but Brighton on April 18 or Wolves on April 25 would seem more realistic

Mohammed Kudus

Kudus suffered a serious quad tendon injury in the draw against Sunderland at home back in January but Tudor had some positive news on the attacker before his departure.

"So we have this big three weeks after the game on Sunday. He will probably do some part of the things with the squad maybe 10 days [after the break]," the Croatian had told football.london. "I don’t know I’m not sure. We need to check but he is progressing very well. Already a little bit with the ball."

The 25-year-old had provided nine goal involvements in 24 Premier League and Champions League matches for Spurs before being run into the ground by Frank.

This big break will have given Kudus more time to get closer to a return after so long out. He was not in the background of the photos or footage from De Zerbi's first session so we'll have to find out from the new man when he will be involved.

Return date: Soon after this international break comes to a close

Yves Bissouma

Bissouma has been suffering from a muscle problem but that was the last update we had on the Mali international.

The 29-year-old had just started to get himself back into action at Tottenham with eight Premier League appearances in a row only to suffer the problem last month.

Bissouma shared images of himself alone in the dressing room at Hotspur Way during the international break so is still working his way back.

Return date: Unknown

James Maddison

Maddison could be seen standing on the touchline in the Forest defeat dishing out instructions to Djed Spence during the first half, desperate to be part of things again.

The 29-year-old midfielder uploaded a social media video showing his trip to Manchester for further ACL tests and exercises to help with the final stages of rehabilitation and then a YouTube video from around a month ago and his ball work back on the pitch with others on their way back from injury.

Tudor had previously shared good news on the player when football.london asked if Maddison could be back before the end of the season.

"Yes. Maddison is already doing interesting things as well with the ball. Sprinting as well. I saw him. He is positive. He's positive," he said.

Return date: Maddison will hope to return before the end of next month

Rodrigo Bentancur

Bentancur required surgery on a serious hamstring injury in January and Tudor mentioned both the Uruguayan and Maddison when speaking about Kudus to football.london.

"Rodrigo as well, Maddison as well. We hope the medical staff will make us some nice surprise in the next weeks which would be very important to have that," said the Spurs boss.

Last week Bentancur's personal fitness coach, Daniel Fernandez, provided a detailed update on his progress as he explained to Uruguayan radio 100% Deporte that the surgical wound had healed well and Bentancur's rehabilitation is currently around 15 days ahead of the original prognosis.

The midfielder has already returned to working on the grass after weeks spent in rehabilitation and strength training. Fernandez said that Bentancur would have returned to training by the end of March but would not be realistically available for first-team action until the end of this month if there are no setbacks.

Return date: This month

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski expects to be back playing in time for this summer's World Cup and claims he's never felt better in his life than he does right now as he closes in on a return from his knee injury.

The Swede injured the patella in his knee back in May last year and after a couple of setbacks following his initial surgery, is yet to return to action for Spurs. Last week he was spotted limping while in Spain meeting his international team-mates ahead of their World Cup play-off semi-final win against Ukraine.

The 25-year-old Tottenham midfielder revealed afterwards that he had undergone a small operation to clean out the knee and that was why he was limping but that the knee was "feeling great now" in a message on Instagram.

Then ahead of Sweden's game, Kulusevski delivered more positive news as he targets a return to action almost a year after his initial injury against Crystal Palace in the Premier League last season.

"I understand that people were worried, but it was really for the wrong reason. It was really positive that I did this little procedure and that we were able to find the problem. Now everything should be solved," he told Swedish media outlet Viaplay. "Now it's just a matter of slowly and surely coming back. I can see the light. It feels better now. I really have a positive feeling about these two important matches [for Sweden] and a World Cup in two or three months. This is how the book and the chapter will end. I am convinced of that."

When asked if he sees himself playing at the World Cup for Sweden this summer, Kulusevski is confident of returning in time for the showpiece tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico and presumably beforehand to help Tottenham in their Premier League relegation battle.

"One hundred percent. Yes. That (the World Cup) is the driving force I have. To have that opportunity is absolutely fantastic. It's a challenge that I haven't been able to overcome so far in terms of getting healthy, but it's not over yet. Now the second game starts," he said.

Return date: Before the end next month if he is to play at the World Cup

Ben Davies

Davies underwent a second operation in January on the broken ankle he suffered in the Premier League defeat that month to West Ham United.

The 32-year-old Wales international was not involved in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and he was linked with potentially taking on a coaching role if Spurs went for another interim head coach before they managed to convince De Zerbi.

Return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert

Odobert suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in February. He underwent surgery and is now in the early stages of his rehabilitation with the club's medical staff. He was on crutches at the Forest game.

The Frenchman's time at Spurs has been fragmented by injuries and now the 21-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Maddison, Dragusin and Bentancur in going through at least nine months or so out of the game.