Tottenham handed Premier League boost as Sunderland injury issues could level playing field

Tottenham Hotspur head into a crucial clash with Sunderland, and the latest injury news could at least level the playing field for Roberto De Zerbi.

It is not long before Tottenham Hotspur take to the field in their first game under new coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Brighton manager will be hoping he can steady a sinking ship as Spurs battle to stay in the English top flight.

His first encounter is set to come up against an impressive Sunderland side, who have looked very much like a Premier League side despite securing promotion last season.

Sunderland injury blow could level the playing field for Tottenham

When the two sides last met under Thomas Frank, the encounter ended in a draw. However, with the gap between Tottenham and the relegation places standing at just one point, securing a victory is crucial for De Zerbi.

Tottenham might now have a slight boost ahead of their encounter with the Black Cats on Sunday, 12 April. That is because goalkeeper Robin Roefs and key centre-back Daniel Ballard are doubts for Sunday’s encounter.

A return date has been pencilled in for 12 April on Premier League Injuries, but there is a 50% chance that the pair will be back.

Other sidelined players for the newly promoted side include Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle/foot injury), Romaine Mundle (thigh injury), Bertrand Isidore Traore (knee injury) and Nilson Angulo (other), who have all been ruled out.

Of course, Tottenham have injury issues of their own though…

Spurs must capitalise as relegation rivals loom large

The Sunderland clash on Sunday is a very crucial one for Tottenham, who could find themselves in the bottom three before a ball is kicked.

West Ham United start Gameweek 32 on Friday with a clash against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, and should they manage to take all three points, they will leapfrog Spurs and move out of the relegation zone.

But if Tottenham manage a victory in their clash against Sunderland, and Nottingham Forest and Leeds United lose to Aston Villa and Manchester United respectively, the Lilywhites could end up in 15th place, even if they start the gameweek in the bottom three.

It will be vital for Spurs to make every advantage count.

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