Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland face a significant selection headache ahead of their Premier League encounter this Sunday, with a combined total of 14 players definitively ruled out and a further two considered major doubts for the fixture.
Team News and League Positions
The match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sees two sides with contrasting recent fortunes. Spurs, currently languishing in 12th place and four points off the top six, drew with Brentford last time out. Their opponents, Sunderland, are enjoying a superb return to the top flight, sitting seventh after a creditable draw with Manchester City. The Black Cats are just a single point behind Manchester United in the final European qualification spot.
Sunderland's Injury and Absence List
Regis Le Bris's side has been heavily impacted by the African Cup of Nations, with six players away on international duty: Mohamadou Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Isnard Mandava, Arthur Masuaku, Bertrand Traore, and Chemsdine Talbi.
In terms of injuries, defender Dan Ballard is a doubt. Le Bris stated, “He’s getting better, but he won’t be available for the game tomorrow. We hope for Spurs, but we’ll see.”
Aji Alese remains a long-term absentee with a shoulder issue, while Xavi Simons is suspended following a red card against Liverpool.
Tottenham's Extensive Casualties
Ange Frank's Tottenham squad is arguably even more depleted. Like Sunderland, they have lost players to AFCON, with Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma absent.
The treatment room is particularly busy. Destiny Udogie is still a week away from returning, though he is now running on the pitch. Striker Dominic Solanke is expected back later in January, while winger Dejan Kulusevski is not anticipated to return until late December.
The most severe blow is to James Maddison, who is likely out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery for a ruptured ACL in August.
There is a glimmer of positive news regarding Lucas Bergvall, who is considered a doubt but could feature. Frank said, “Lucas is OK. I am quite positive that he'll be available, of course, there is a small doubt, but it's quite possible.”
Implications for the Fixture
The sheer volume of absentees, particularly through the African Cup of Nations, will force both managers to delve deep into their squads. This presents a challenge for Tottenham to find consistency and for Sunderland to maintain their impressive momentum. The team that best copes with these significant disruptions will likely gain a crucial advantage in this Premier League matchup.
