Tottenham Hotspur fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season, but concerns are growing as key players continue to be sidelined. The club's final pre-season friendly against Hoffenheim on Sunday provided a glimmer of hope, with several notable returns.
James Maddison, who missed most of last season due to an ACL injury, made his first appearance of pre-season, starting the game. His return is a significant boost, especially after an unspecified issue kept him out for a while. Meanwhile, the highly-rated £85 million signing, Mateus Fernandes, also featured, having overcome a minor calf problem that limited his involvement in the pre-season tour.
Midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr, as well as Brazilian left-back Souza, also returned to the squad, providing further depth in midfield and defense. Brandon Austin, Luca Williams-Barnett, Tye Hall, and Damola Ajayi started the game, showcasing the club's youth development, while the bench included the young and highly-rated 15-year-old goalkeeper, Mikel Jack.
However, the absence of Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, who have not played a single minute of pre-season, is a cause for concern for the upcoming Premier League opener against Brentford. Striker Dominic Solanke and Mohammed Kudus, who are recovering from serious injuries, are also unlikely to feature in the season's first few games.
The situation is further complicated by the potential departure of key players. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who has not featured in pre-season, is expected to leave, joining the likes of Cristian Romero and Djed Spence in exiting the club before the transfer deadline. Pedro Porro, who returned from Spain's World Cup success earlier this week, has also not been involved in pre-season, suggesting he may also be on the move.
As the season approaches, Tottenham faces a challenging task in managing their squad and ensuring they are competitive. The club's reliance on youth development and the potential loss of key players could impact their performance, especially in the early stages of the season. It remains to be seen how the team will adapt and whether they can overcome these challenges to achieve success in the upcoming campaign.
