Roberto De Zerbi expects Savio to be back from injury after the international break, but thinks Mohammed Kudus is able to carry the goalscoring burden in the Brazilian’s absence.

The winger has missed Spurs’ last two games with a muscular issue sustained before the team’s warm-weather training camp to Marbella.

After an electric debut at home to Charlton Athletic, climbing off the bench to score one and assist another in a 5-1 rout of the Championship strugglers, the former Manchester City man has struggled to make his mark in his new colours.

There are big expectations on the 22-year-old after his £85million move from City, but De Zerbi says he is not likely to be available until Spurs host Ipswich Town on November 21.

Sidelined: Savio

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“I think so. I think he’s good,” the head coach said when asked if he was likely to return after the international break.

In Savio’s absence, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus have started on the flanks, and the pair dovetailed superbly as Spurs beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Tel scored a wonderful solo goal to seal a rare away win at Chelsea, while Andy Robertson praised Kudus for his ability to hold the ball up and help Spurs play through the Blues’ press.

Kudus’ physicality and ability to carry the ball from deep have been integral to Spurs’ upturn in form, and his selfless performance at Stamford Bridge helped get the north Londoners up the pitch.

“It was crucial, like defend the ball, like fight. Because in that situation, you have to fight first of all. But he is able to defend the ball with the attitude, but also with the technique, the skill, the ability. He is playing very well,” De Zerbi continued.

Ready-made replacement: Mohammed Kudus

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Kudus has revitalised Spurs’ attack since returning from a long-term quad injury, but he has yet to find the back of the net this term, stretching his goalless run back to December 2025.

Despite netting just eight times in all competitions since his 18-goal haul for West Ham and Ajax during the 2023/24 season, De Zerbi has no doubt Kudus can become a consistent goalscorer for Spurs.

The Ghanaian international plays predominantly on the right wing, but De Zerbi believes he can also play in the No10 role and cites his experience as a central striker for Ajax as a reason for believing in his goalscoring capabilities.

“He is capable to score more goals. When he was in Ajax, he also played as a number 9, as a No10. More No10 than right winger. And he scored many goals in Ajax.”