Tottenham Pre-Season Double-Header Against Hoffenheim
Tottenham step up their pre-season preparations this weekend with a double-header against Hoffenheim that will test both Roberto De Zerbi’s fitness plans and his squad depth.
The Bundesliga side visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today, before the clubs do it all again less than 24 hours later in a behind-closed-doors game at Hotspur Way. Two matches, two different lineups. That’s the plan.
De Zerbi is expected to split his resources almost completely, using the first fixture as a showcase for one group and the second as a hard-running tune-up for those who are only partially involved or sit out the opening contest. With the Premier League kicking off next weekend, this is the final chance to sharpen legs and minds.
Spurs arrive at this stage unbeaten in pre-season, though that record comes with a small asterisk. Their last outing, another private friendly, ended in a 1-1 draw with Getafe in a 70-minute run-out. It was functional rather than flamboyant.
Some of those missing from that game were quickly sent into action anyway. New arrivals Mateus Fernandes and Marcos Senesi, among others, featured in an in-house friendly later the same day as De Zerbi chased minutes for as many players as possible.
Even with two separate fixtures on the schedule, there were still glaring absences that will nag at the head coach as the new campaign looms.
James Maddison
James Maddison remains the headline concern. The midfielder, in the frame to inherit the armband once Cristian Romero completes his move to Atletico Madrid, has yet to play a single minute in pre-season. Spurs are refusing to rush him as he continues his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury that wiped out most of his last campaign. Caution, not risk, is the watchword.
Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven, another strong candidate for the captaincy after signing a lucrative new contract, has also been missing from De Zerbi’s squads since returning from extended post-World Cup leave. It is not yet clear whether the defender is battling a fitness issue, but De Zerbi will want him involved in some capacity this weekend, even if only briefly, to avoid starting the season cold.
Positive Developments
There is better news on the right flank. World Cup winner Pedro Porro is back and ready. He received a guard of honour from team-mates on his return to the training ground this week and is expected to feature against Hoffenheim. At 26 and fresh from signing a new long-term deal in June, Porro is set to be a central figure in De Zerbi’s plans and the undisputed first-choice right-back, especially with Djed Spence heading for the exit.
Spence, like Romero, is not expected to play any part in either match. The full-back is closing in on a move to Inter Milan, while the current club captain is in Madrid undergoing a medical ahead of his switch to Atletico. Both departures underline the quiet but significant reshaping of the dressing room taking place around De Zerbi.
One potential return offers a different kind of lift. There is growing optimism that Mohammed Kudus could make his first appearance since January after resuming full-team training following a serious quad injury. His workload is being handled carefully. De Zerbi has already admitted the club brought Kudus back too quickly earlier in the year, a decision that led to a setback in April.
Now, with the league season almost upon them, Spurs face a delicate balancing act: push hard enough to be ready, but not so hard that key players break. Over two games in 24 hours, De Zerbi will find out exactly how close this squad is to walking that line.
