Tottenham have received a significant injury boost with James Maddison returning to action, but Roberto De Zerbi still faces major fitness concerns ahead of the Premier League opener against Brentford.
Maddison started Sunday's behind-closed-doors friendly against Hoffenheim at Hotspur Way, making his first appearance of pre-season.
Mateus Fernandes also returned to the starting XI after a minor calf problem restricted the £85million summer signing during Tottenham's pre-season tour.
However, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke remain absent with the start of the Premier League now approaching.
Maddison and Fernandes return for Tottenham
Maddison's inclusion represents particularly encouraging news after his difficult injury problems.
The midfielder missed most of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and had yet to feature this summer because of a further unspecified issue following his recovery.
Fernandes also started against Hoffenheim after having his pre-season minutes restricted by a calf problem.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr returned to the side as well, while De Zerbi handed opportunities to several younger players following Saturday's 3-0 victory over the same opponents.
The returns give Tottenham additional options in midfield ahead of their trip to Brentford.
Van de Ven and Udogie concerns remain
The defensive situation is less encouraging.
Van de Ven and Udogie have still not played a single minute during pre-season, raising doubts about whether either will be ready for the opening Premier League fixture.
Solanke is also absent again. The striker has not featured since playing 45 minutes against Chelsea on August 1.
Mohammed Kudus has returned to training following his serious quad injury but is not yet ready for match action.
Dejan Kulusevski is training again following the knee injury that has kept him sidelined since May 2025, although his competitive return is still expected to take more time.
Pedro Porro has also not played during pre-season after only recently returning from an extended break following Spain's World Cup triumph.
Key Points
- James Maddison has made his first appearance of pre-season against Hoffenheim.
- £85m signing Mateus Fernandes has also returned following a calf problem.
- Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie have played no pre-season minutes.
- Dominic Solanke has not featured since August 1, adding another concern for De Zerbi.
- Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are back in training but not yet ready to return.
What's Next?
De Zerbi now faces a crucial week before Tottenham begin their Premier League campaign away at Brentford.
Maddison and Fernandes returning provides a timely boost, but the availability of Van de Ven, Udogie and Solanke remains a major concern as Spurs prepare for their first competitive team selection of the new season.
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