Mohammed Kudus was a crucial part of my plans – Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Mohammed Kudus was central to his vision for the club’s Premier League survival bid.

The Ghana international suffered a relapse in his recovery from a long term injury that has kept him out since January.

Speaking ahead of his debut match against Sunderland, De Zerbi expressed frustration at losing a player he considered the cornerstone of his attacking transition.

The Italian tactician, recently appointed to steer 17th-placed Spurs away from the relegation zone, had hoped to build his fluid, possession-based system around Kudus’ unique ability to drive from midfield into the final third.

He noted that the 25-year-old’s versatility made him the ideal “bridge” for the squad’s tactical shift, but acknowledged that the team must now pivot quickly to avoid the drop.

With Kudus likely facing surgery and a recovery period that threatens his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, De Zerbi is turning his focus to the fit members of his squad.

“Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position, but we have to look forward anyway.

“I think we have a lot of very good attackers and we have to help them, to put them in the best condition to show their qualities.”