Spurs enter the final four matches of the season fighting to avoid relegation, but their preparations have once again been overshadowed by a mounting injury list.
The club were hit hard earlier in the week when it was confirmed that Xavi Simons will miss the remainder of the campaign, while Dominic Solanke also picked up an injury in the win over Wolves and has been ruled out of the Villa match.
For a squad that has been stretched all year, De Zerbi could hardly believe their continued misfortune — yet he did have one piece of positive news to share.
De Zerbi Confirms Major Tottenham Injury Boost
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Tottenham head coach revealed that Pape Matar Sarr has returned to full training and is available for selection.
“Today was his first session back with the group, but he trained very well,” De Zerbi said. “He’s available, yes. I haven’t decided the starting XI yet.”
Sarr’s return is a significant lift for Spurs, especially in the absence of key creative figures and with Aston Villa — managed by Unai Emery — also pushing for important points. Villa themselves are without Amadou Onana, who suffered an injury against Nottingham Forest.
Could Sarr Replace Simons?
De Zerbi now faces a major selection decision. With Simons sidelined, Sarr is a strong candidate to slot straight back into midfield despite having only just recovered from injury.
Much of the choice, however, may depend on the fitness of James Maddison. The playmaker has been named in recent squads but has not yet returned to the pitch as he continues to recover from a serious knee issue.
Should Maddison be deemed ready, he could start — giving Spurs another crucial boost as they fight to secure their Premier League status.
