There is optimism that Mohammed Kudus and Pape Sarr will be fit to feature against Sunderland, despite both withdrawing from international duty with injuries.

Tottenham could also receive a further boost ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light, with one of their key attackers closing in on a return. Mohammed Kudus has been sidelined since January with a hamstring injury and was initially expected to return later this month.

However, reports from Football.London indicate that the Ghana international has been spotted back in first-team training ahead of the North East clash. This raises the possibility that Roberto De Zerbi may have Kudus available as he looks to secure Tottenham’s first league win of the year on Sunday.

That said, Kudus had originally been expected to miss matches against Sunderland and Brighton, so it remains unclear whether he will be immediately included in the squad. Supporters will be keen to hear an update on the 25-year-old’s fitness when the new Spurs manager addresses the media on Friday.

Statistics highlight just how much Tottenham have missed Kudus in his absence. The team’s dip in form has coincided with his injury, and he still ranks among the club’s top performers in several attacking metrics despite missing over three months of action.

He has created 23 chances in the league, the third-highest in the squad behind Pedro Porro (37) and Xavi Simons (30). Kudus also boasts the joint-highest successful dribbles per 90 minutes (3) and has completed 22 more dribbles than any other Spurs player this season.

His return would significantly strengthen Tottenham’s attacking threat and provide a major lift in their push to avoid relegation. Although several players remain sidelined, the club’s injury situation is improving compared to recent months.