View: De Zerbi already has players fighting through pain barrier for Tottenham cause

Roberto De Zerbi is facing challenges ahead of his maiden voyage with Tottenham Hotspur away to Sunderland.

The Italian has come in with the remit of keeping the Lilywhites in the Premier League by any means with seven games to go.

He faces a difficult start to his career back in England with a trip to face the Black Cats, who are coming off the back of a 2-1 win against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Things certainly won’t be easy at the Stadium of Light, especially with a number of key players absent once again for Spurs.

Tottenham are just days away from their clash with Sunderland, and now training ground images have emerged that show players are willing to fight through the pain barrier to play their part.

Pape Matar Sarr spotted in training with shoulder support

The North London club just can’t catch a break when it comes to big-name stars picking up injury concerns on a regular basis.

There are currently up to 10 players on the treatment table with the chance of missing the trip to face Sunderland on Sunday.

De Zerbi will have to deal with the fitness problems facing his squad, and it doesn’t look like getting better anytime soon, with Sarr facing issues.

The Senegal international suffered a shoulder injury while on international break with Senegal, despite playing just 10 minutes for his country.

He has now been spotted in training on Hotspur Way, but is wearing a support to help play through the pain barrier in N17.

His availability will represent a boost for the Lilywhites, but he clearly isn’t going to be at full flight travelling to the north east.

Still, the fact Sarr has seemingly made himself available for selection, despite the injury blow, is a positive sign.

De Zerbi will hope for the best as Tottenham prepares to face Sunderland, but being without the best version of Sarr will of course be a blow.

How good can Sarr be for Tottenham?

It has been a shocking campaign for the North London club as injuries continue to tear them apart.

The Senegalese ace has been impacted by fitness problems as much as anyone after starting just 13 games and coming off the bench in nine.

In that time, he has contributed to five goals and has been a defensive force in the heart of midfield for the Lilywhites.

Sarr has completed 106 defensive actions and has won 83 duels in N17, and is unfortunate to have secured just three clean sheets.

De Zerbi will be confident of getting the most out of the midfielder, but may not see the best of him while he’s struggling with a shoulder problem.

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