Tottenham Hotspur fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season, but concerns are growing as key players remain on the sidelines. The club's final pre-season friendly against Hoffenheim saw the return of several players, but some crucial absences have raised alarm bells among supporters.
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 earlier in the summer. Meanwhile, the highly-rated Mateus Fernandes, signed for £85 million from West Ham, also featured, dispelling any lingering doubts about his fitness after a minor calf problem.
The midfield duo of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr were also back in action, providing a much-needed boost to the team's midfield options. Brazilian left-back Souza, a January signing, started the game, despite recent speculation linking him with a move away from the club. This game also saw the debut of some young talents, including goalkeeper Brandon Austin, Luca Williams-Barnett, Tye Hall, and Damola Ajayi.
However, the absence of Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie is a cause for concern. These two defenders have not played a single minute of pre-season, and their lack of match fitness could impact the team's performance in the upcoming Premier League opener against Brentford. Striker Dominic Solanke and Mohammed Kudus, who have both been recovering from injuries, are also not yet ready to return to action.
The situation is further complicated by the potential departure of key players. Guglielmo Vicario, the former first-choice goalkeeper, 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 triumph earlier this week, has also not been involved in pre-season, which could indicate his potential departure.
As the season approaches, Tottenham fans are left with a mix of excitement and trepidation. While the return of several players is a positive sign, the absence of key players and the potential loss of others could impact the team's performance. The club's management will need to carefully manage the fitness and availability of their players to ensure a successful start to the season.
