Bentancur returns in boost for Tottenham's relegation battle

LONDON, April 17 : Tottenham Hotspur have received a boost in their Premier League survival battle with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur in the squad for Saturday's crucial home clash against manager Roberto De Zerbi's former club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Uruguayan Bentancur has been out since early January with a serious hamstring injury that required surgery.

Spurs are in 18th place with six games remaining, two points behind the safety zone, and in danger of a first relegation from the top flight since 1977.

The return of Bentancur, and fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma, is welcome news for the club's new boss De Zerbi ahead of his first home game in charge, although he confirmed that Argentina international Cristian Romero is out for the season.

"Bentancur is available to play," the Italian told reporters on Friday. "I don't know if he'll start the game or not. Bissouma is available."

Tottenham captain Romero injured his knee in a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky during the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last weekend, a result that stretched their winless league run to 14.

"Romero, I'm really sorry for him and his injury," De Zerbi said. "First of all, non-stop, the people have to know he's suffering because of this injury and because he can't play any more for us in this season.

"He's a great captain for us. We have to be positive, we have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are very good to play and give us quality with the ball."

De Zerbi, Spurs' third manager this season, has little time to turn the London club's fortunes around, and said their survival prospects were as much about mentality as ability.

He attempted to raise morale this week by taking the first team out for a meal.

"I have to get to know my players better and