Tottenham Faces Newcastle with Key Absences and New Debuts
Tottenham’s search for a first Premier League win of the season comes with a twist before a ball is even kicked.
A week on from a bruising 3-0 defeat to Brentford, Spurs host Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, needing a response and expecting to ride the buzz of their newest attacking weapon. Instead, the team sheet raised eyebrows.
Savio sidelined after dream debut
Savio, signed from Manchester City earlier in the week, looked like he was about to be fast-tracked into centre stage. He came off the bench in midweek in the Carabao Cup and lit up the night, scoring a sumptuous debut goal in a 5-1 demolition of Charlton Athletic. One touch, one moment, and he had the home crowd hooked.
So when his name was nowhere to be seen in the squad for the visit of Newcastle, confusion spread quickly. Roberto De Zerbi had even suggested before the game that the Brazilian was in contention to start and make his full debut.
The explanation came swiftly. Speaking to Sky Sports, De Zerbi said: “There was bad news yesterday, before training in the afternoon. He suffered muscle fatigue and the medical staff didn’t want to take a risk. I agree with them.”
No gamble, no Savio. The Italian wants him ready for the long haul, targeting next weekend’s trip to Nottingham Forest as the likely return point for the 22-year-old.
Marmoush thrown straight in
With Savio ruled out, attention turned to another fresh face. Omar Marmoush, who arrived from Manchester City on an initial loan with a £60million obligation to buy, goes straight into the starting XI to make his full debut.
It is a bold call. Spurs need a spark after that opening-day humbling, and De Zerbi has handed the Egyptian forward the responsibility from the first whistle rather than easing him in from the bench.
Richarlison absent as questions grow
The surprises did not stop there. Richarlison, already the subject of intense speculation over his future throughout the transfer window, was missing from the bench altogether.
His omission only deepens the uncertainty around his role and long-term status at the club. On a day when attacking options are under the microscope, one of the most high-profile forwards in the squad is nowhere to be seen.
Kudus returns to the fold
There was at least one piece of good news for Spurs. Mohammed Kudus, sidelined since January with a stubborn thigh problem, has finally been passed fit enough for a place among the substitutes.
His presence offers De Zerbi a different kind of weapon if the game tightens or drifts. Creativity, power, and a goal threat from deeper areas — exactly the sort of qualities Tottenham have missed in recent months.
So Spurs go into a crucial early-season test without their new cult hero, with another star forward absent and a big-money loanee thrown straight into the fire. For a team still searching for its first league win, the margin for error is already shrinking.
