Although it is unclear when James Maddison will return to the Tottenham Hotspur midfield as their starting No. 10, which is an even more important return after Xavi Simons himself tore his ACL in last weekend's streak breaking win over Wolves, the Lilywhites are set to get another key midfielder back in the side - even if he isn't as big of a headline grabber as Madders.
According to Roberto De Zerbi at the final press conference before the huge Premier League tilt against Aston Villa, Senegal international Pape Matar Sarr is ready to return to the matchday squad from his injury.
De Zerbi told reporters, via Football.London's Alasdair Gold, “Today was the first day with the group but he worked very well. He’s available, yes. I have not decided yet the starting XI.”
Pape Matar Sarr is back in the saddle
Sarr has not suited up for Tottenham Hotspur since a 30 minute cameo off the bench against Sunderland in their return from the March international break on April 12, as he sustained a shoulder injury. But he's going to be back in the saddle against Aston Villa, though De Zerbi is leaving the door open as to whether or not he is a starting option.
Lately, Tottenham have been starting all veteran midfielders under De Zerbi. Xavi Simons would actually play on the left wing with winter signing Conor Gallagher in the 10 position and Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma behind him.
Since Bissouma has been more mediocre than stellar, he is the easiest one to lop off the lineup. Tottenham have to make tough decisions with the forward line with Simons (and Dominic Solanke) down, but if Maddison is not available, then Gallagher will still be the 10.
And that increases Sarr's chances of getting back into the starting lineup, because he still has enough experience to be considered by Roberto De Zerbi as a more senior player. He is definitely a better option than Bissouma and can offer the same level of grit, work, and defensive quality as Bissouma in that box to box role alongside Rodrigo Bentancur.
Pape Matar Sarr may not be a star player, and his importance to Tottenham this season is technically part of the problem. But he is still a useful player to Spurs, whether as a starter when they are down in numbers or as a rotational piece. So the confirmation that he is back with Spurs in injury crisis in midfield is great news, especially against an opponent the caliber of Aston Villa.
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