Mateus Fernandes, James Maddison and Destiny Udogie have all returned to training ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford, although Micky van de Ven remains a major doubt for the weekend clash.
Roberto De Zerbi has faced several fitness concerns during pre-season, with Maddison and Fernandes having their playing time carefully managed, while Van de Ven and Udogie have yet to feature in any of the club’s warm-up matches.
Udogie has been handled cautiously following a series of muscular problems last season. Maddison is also being eased back into full fitness as he continues his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered last summer.
Both players are now pushing to be available for the trip to Brentford, while Fernandes is also hoping to make the squad after dealing with a calf problem in recent weeks.
However, there is still uncertainty surrounding Van de Ven, who was not seen taking part in training at Hotspur Way.
The Netherlands international, who recently committed his future to Spurs by signing a lucrative new contract, has not featured in any of De Zerbi’s pre-season squads since returning from the World Cup. His absence has raised serious doubts over whether he will be fit enough to face Brentford.
Dominic Solanke is another player whose availability is uncertain. The striker was used sparingly during pre-season after spending much of last season sidelined with ankle and hamstring problems.
Tottenham will travel to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening determined to make an early statement following a hugely ambitious summer transfer window.
Spurs have invested £237 million in six new signings and are eager to put last season’s disappointing 17th-place finish firmly behind them.
Standing in their way is a Brentford side hoping to push for European qualification after an impressive first campaign under Keith Andrews last season.