Blow for Tottenham and De Zerbi Before Italian's Debut at the Helm

Tottenham Hotspur's new head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, hasn't even managed his first official match, yet he's already grappling with the club's persistent injury woes. Winger Mohammed Kudus, who has been sidelined with a long-term quadriceps injury, has suffered a setback just as he was nearing a return to action for Tottenham, according to football.london.

Kudus initially sustained a serious quadriceps tendon injury during the January draw against Sunderland. However, a return this month seemed imminent. Former interim Spurs boss Igor Tudor even provided a positive update on the forward before his departure.

The Ghanaian star has experienced a complication with his quadriceps, though the full extent of the issue remains unclear. There are suggestions that surgery might be necessary, which, if confirmed, could jeopardize the remainder of his Premier League season and his participation in the World Cup. Ghana is set to compete in a group with England, Croatia, and Panama at this summer's tournament.

The 25-year-old's return was expected to be a significant boost for new Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi. Since arriving from West Ham in a £55 million deal, Kudus had contributed nine goals and assists in 24 Premier League and Champions League appearances for the "Spurs" before his injury. The Italian tactician had also been close to signing him during his tenure at Brighton.