Roberto De Zerbi sets Tottenham squad challenge as new Mohammed Kudus injury claim made

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Roberto De Zerbi thinks one victory could change the story of Tottenham's ill-fated Premier League campaign

Roberto De Zerbi has told his Tottenham players dinner will be on the house every week - providing they win.

The Italian, who will lead his first home match as Spurs boss against former employers Brighton on Saturday, took his struggling squad to high-end Mayfair restaurant Bacchanalia in midweek.

And if the social inspires victory, he would jump at the chance to do it all again, explaining: "I don’t know if we'll win the game for [because of] dinner but I know we ate very well and the food was amazing. If we win, I’m ready to pay every week for one dinner.

"I have to get to know the players better and better every week, now it is much better. We have no time to lose and we have no time to understand the problems we have had this season.

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"We have to be focused just on the next game and to transfer confidence. I can bring myself, I can bring my philosophy of football but also I’m working to create a good atmosphere and a good relationship with the players.

"I think in this moment of football, especially for Tottenham in this season, the qualities of the players are important but the spirit and the relationship between the players, the love the players have for the club is more important for sure."

With just six top-flight matches to play, Spurs start the weekend in the relegation zone. Now they must do something they have only done twice all season in the Premier League: win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

No top-flight side has accumulated fewer home points than Spurs' measly 10 this term.

De Zerbi is confident just one victory could change the story of Tottenham's season, adding: "In my words, what I said last week was the focus is to win one game. I don't know if we'll be able to win tomorrow, I hope so but I think we have enough quality to win the game.

"I think it's crucial, not just for the table. One part for the table, for sure, but because we have to feel again what it's like to win a game and what that can do because I have absolutely no doubt about the quality of the players."

De Zerbi has confirmed midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are back available while Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined following hernia surgery. James Maddison will not be rushed back, however.

"I don't want to push too much as we lost [Mohammed] Kudus in this way," De Zerbi added. "I will use the players when they are totally available to play and start training; it's better to lose one more game than get another injury."