Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has conceded that the absence of Mohammed Kudus is a major setback to his plans as the club battles to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Ghana international is now expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a fresh injury setback.
Kudus, who had been sidelined since January, was initially pencilled in for a return this month, but the latest development has delayed his comeback indefinitely.
Speaking ahead of his first game in charge against Sunderland, De Zerbi did not hide his disappointment, describing Kudus as central to his tactical vision.
The Italian coach explained that the 25-year-old’s versatility made him a key figure in linking midfield to attack, effectively serving as the “bridge” in his system.
However, he acknowledged the need for a swift adjustment as Spurs fight to retain their top-flight status.
“Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position, but we have to look forward anyway,” he told the media.
“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,” the Italian added.
Kudus is set to consult a specialist, with surgery now a possibility—raising concerns over his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
