De Zerbi faces Tottenham fitness headache despite Hoffenheim win

Mikey Moore scored twice as Tottenham completed an unbeaten pre-season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Hoffenheim, although Roberto De Zerbi still has fitness concerns ahead of the Premier League opener against Brentford.

Richarlison opened the scoring after 35 minutes, converting following Andy Robertson's deflected cross, before Moore struck twice in the second half.

The result completed an encouraging summer on the pitch, but several important Spurs players remain short of match action with only a week until the new league campaign.

Tottenham named a strong starting XI against Hoffenheim, but the list of absentees was significant.

Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and James Maddison are yet to feature during pre-season, while Dominic Solanke and Mateus Fernandes have had their minutes carefully managed.

A behind-closed-doors friendly on Sunday could provide opportunities for some players to build fitness before the trip to Brentford.

For De Zerbi, getting key players ready quickly will be important as Tottenham attempt to improve after successive 17th-place Premier League finishes.

Moore's performance was particularly timely given the 19-year-old is closing in on a loan move away from Tottenham.

After a relatively quiet opening half, the winger converted Mathys Tel's cross in the 59th minute to make it 2-0.

He then completed his brace with his final touch of the game, finding the bottom corner after another pass from Tel.

Tottenham are looking for attacking reinforcements before the transfer deadline, which could limit Moore's opportunities if he remains.

His pre-season performances have nevertheless demonstrated that he is capable of contributing to De Zerbi's first team.

Tel also completed an impressive summer by providing both assists for Moore.

The 21-year-old improved significantly after half-time, first bursting into the penalty area to create Moore's opening goal before later releasing him for Tottenham's third.

After limited opportunities last season, Tel's pre-season form has strengthened his case for a more prominent role under De Zerbi.

Tottenham have a behind-closed-doors friendly on Sunday which could provide valuable minutes for players who missed the Hoffenheim victory.

De Zerbi will then turn his attention to Brentford, with the fitness of several first-team players and Tottenham's pursuit of further attacking signings among the key issues before the Premier League opener.