Roberto De Zerbi Faces Key Selection Decisions Ahead of Newcastle Match
Roberto De Zerbi has insisted he has no doubts over his Egyptian forward’s fitness, despite leaving him on the bench for the entire comeback win over Bournemouth last weekend.
City overturned a deficit to win 2-1, with the 27-year-old watching on as an unused substitute. Now De Zerbi must make a harder call: does he throw him straight into the starting XI, at the expense of Richarlison or Dominic Solanke, or hold him back again as an impact option?
That decision will shape the front line, but it is not the only big selection question.
Savio primed for full debut
All eyes are also on Savio. The Brazilian, signed from City in a deal worth up to £85million earlier this week, has wasted no time announcing himself in north London.
He stepped off the bench in the Carabao Cup second round against Charlton and tore into the tie, scoring once and setting up another in what felt like a statement cameo rather than a gentle introduction.
Now he is in line to make his full debut, with De Zerbi hinting that the 20-year-old could even start.
Van de Ven dilemma as injuries linger
At the other end of the pitch, Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both got their first minutes of the season in that same Charlton win, easing back into action from the bench. De Zerbi confirmed that the pair are “in contention” to start against Newcastle, with Mohammed Kudus pushing for a place among the substitutes.
The Van de Ven situation is delicate. The Dutch defender has been managing an injury and carries a history of muscle problems throughout his Spurs career. De Zerbi is wary of gambling too early.
“Van de Ven is right to play. We have to look, we have to understand the beginning part of the game,” the head coach said in his pre-match press conference, underlining the need to judge his readiness carefully once the match rhythm kicks in.
He grouped the centre-back with several returning and new faces, adding: “Like Savio, like Pedro, Marmoush is available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game. Robertson is like Udogie. Udogie is a good news for us because Udogie is very important and he played well 60 minutes, like was the plan.”
The message was clear: options are back, but minutes will be managed.
Maddison’s return handled with care
James Maddison remains another key piece being carefully reintroduced. Asked if supporters would need to show patience as the 29-year-old works towards a consistent run of games, De Zerbi stressed that the club are following a clear plan to protect him.
They want Maddison back, but they want him back right. No shortcuts, no rush, not with the season stretching out ahead and the fixtures only getting tougher.
