Spurs under De Zerbi gain from Bentancur's comeback though Romero sidelined until end of campaign

The Uruguayan player Bentancur has been sidelined since the start of January due to a severe hamstring problem that needed an operation.

Tottenham sit in 18th position with six matches left, trailing the relegation safety spots by two points, facing the risk of dropping out of the top division for the first time since 1977.

Bentancur's availability along with that of midfielder Yves Bissouma brings good tidings for Tottenham's fresh head coach De Zerbi, prior to his debut home fixture in the role, even as he noted that Argentine defender Cristian Romero will miss the rest of the term.

"Bentancur can feature," the Italian manager informed the press on Friday. "I'm unsure if he will be in the starting lineup. Bissouma is ready to go."

Tottenham's skipper Romero hurt his knee in a clash with keeper Antonin Kinsky in the 1-0 loss against Sunderland over the previous weekend, extending their league drought without a victory to 14 outings.

"I feel terrible for Romero and that knock," De Zerbi remarked.

"Above all, without pause, everyone should realise he is in pain from this setback and unable to appear for us again this term.

"He serves as an excellent leader for the side. We must stay upbeat, with Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso ready to step up and provide top level with possession."

As Spurs' third boss this year, De Zerbi has scant opportunity to reverse the north London outfit's slide, emphasising that staying up hinges as much on mindset as on skill.

De Zerbi aims to boost morale

This week, he sought to improve team spirit by organising a dinner for the senior squad.

"Each week, I need to understand my squad more deeply," De Zerbi explained. "Time is short. I can offer my approach to the game, my ideas, yet I'm focused on fostering a positive vibe and strong bonds with the team.

"Right now, for Tottenham, player talent matters, but their passion and commitment to the team count for even more."

"No idea if the meal will lead to a win tomorrow. The cuisine was superb.

"Should we triumph, I'll cover the bill weekly. I value personal connections, the drive and heart within the players. On the field, we require full unity to support each other and chase our goal.

"Failure to hit that mark means a setback for all in their professional paths."

De Zerbi, who launched his Brighton stint versus Tottenham, stated that Kinsky would remain between the posts, as primary option Guglielmo Vicario recovers from hernia surgery.