Tottenham's Roberto De Zerbi Faces Late Changes for Clash with Newcastle
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has been forced into a late reshuffle for today’s clash with Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with new signing Savio ruled out after a dazzling midweek debut.
Spurs go into the game still searching for their first Premier League win of the season, bruised by a 3-0 opening-day defeat to Brentford and under pressure to respond in front of their own fans.
Savio left out after dream debut
Savio’s absence from the squad raised immediate eyebrows. The Brazilian, signed from Manchester City earlier this week, lit up the Carabao Cup in midweek, coming off the bench to score a stunning goal in a 5-1 demolition of Charlton Athletic and instantly winning over the home crowd.
De Zerbi had even suggested before the game that the winger was in the frame to make his full league debut against Newcastle. Instead, his name was nowhere to be seen on the teamsheet.
The head coach moved quickly to clarify the situation, telling Sky Sports: “There was bad news yesterday, before training in the afternoon. He suffered muscle fatigue and the medical staff didn’t want to take a risk. I agree with them.”
No gamble, then. Not this early in the season. De Zerbi now hopes to have the 22-year-old available for next weekend’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.
Marmoush straight into the XI
With Savio sidelined, attention turned to another fresh face. Omar Marmoush, who arrived from Manchester City on an initial loan with a £60million obligation to buy, goes straight into the starting XI and makes his full debut this afternoon.
The forward is handed an immediate chance to make his mark and ease the attacking burden on a squad still trying to find its rhythm after that sobering defeat at Brentford.
Richarlison missing, Kudus returns
Richarlison’s omission from the bench added another twist to the team news. The Brazilian has been the subject of constant speculation throughout the transfer window, and his absence only intensifies the questions over his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
There was at least one positive development for Spurs. Mohammed Kudus, sidelined since January with a persistent thigh issue, has been passed fit enough to take a place among the substitutes. For De Zerbi, and for a fanbase craving spark and invention, the sight of Kudus back in the matchday squad offers a timely lift.
A bruised team, a reshaped attack, and a restless stadium: Tottenham’s hunt for a first league win of the campaign now rests on new combinations finding answers, and fast.
