London Evening Standard

The Argentine centre-back left Bournemouth as a free agent in June and promptly signed with Spurs, joining the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Andry Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke in moving to the club this summer.

He might have joined his new team-mates in Australia for pre-season this week but was delayed in joining up after earning a late call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad, replacing the stricken Leonardo Balerdi.

Senesi made two appearances as the Albiceleste reached the final for the second consecutive World Cup, only to be beaten 1-0 by a Spain side which featured his new team-mate, Pedro Porro. The campaign took him to a total of five senior caps.

Now, less than two weeks after that match, he has reported to Tottenham’s training ground for the first time, with the new Premier League campaign getting underway in just over three weeks.

It remains to be seen when he might make his Tottenham debut, with no plans confirmed for him to join up with Roberto De Zerbi’s squad in Australia. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to do so before the Premier League restart, though, as Tottenham face Getafe on August 8 and meet Hoffenheim twice the following weekend.

Bentancur endured a bitterly disappointing World Cup as his Uruguay side crashed out in the group stages. He appeared in all three of their matches as they recorded draws with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia before losing a must-win fixture against Spain.

Williams-Barnett impressed hugely again off the bench on Wednesday as Spurs beat A-League opponents Sydney FC 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 friendly draw at Allianz Stadium, providing an attacking spark in the second half.

The 17-year-old later showed his composure and confidence with a successful Panenka spot-kick during the shootout as Tottenham made it three consecutive victories to begin pre-season.

The versatile Williams-Barnett also shone in a deeper role in the second half of last week’s 1-0 behind-closed-doors win over MK Dons at Hotspur Way, catching the eye again as a starter as he played an hour in Sunday’s 2-0 triumph against Auckland FC at Eden Park.

The academy graduate is taking full advantage of more first-team exposure with Tottenham missing a whole host of senior players due to a mixture of injury, lack of match fitness and post-World Cup holidays, having previously established a reputation as one of English football’s brightest youth talents.

Williams-Barnett - who joined Spurs at Under-10s level - was handed his senior competitive Tottenham debut last September aged just 16, introduced by former boss Thomas Frank for the final stages of a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Doncaster.

Frank’s permanent successor De Zerbi too is clearly a fan of the player, whom he believes has significant potential but also obvious areas for improvement.

“We have to manage him like a precious diamond,” the Spurs head coach said of Williams-Barnett after the win over Sydney FC. “We have to help him to improve in the last decision.

“Physically, work harder to become stronger because this time of football, he needs to be strong, and to give him space when there is the right moment.

“I usually give time to all the young players I work with in my career, and he is a potential special player.”

"He's a really top player," Davies said. "He's got a lot of potential. I think you can see the qualities that he's got.

"I think now the next step is developing his habits in the game. But to have a player like that who's got no fear, that has the confidence to try things in games, who doesn't get affected if he loses the ball, I think he's got a bright future ahead of him."

Arsenal have been handed a new boost over Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior as Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham also step up their transfer business during a busy summer window. The Gunners are in advanced talks over Guimaraes and Newcastle now look to be planning for life without their captain, whose Brazil team-mate Vinicius Jr remains a real option amid an ongoing Real Madrid contract stand-off and fresh talks between the two camps. Arsenal are also back in for Ivan Fresneda and have agreed a deal for Cardiff wonderkid Axel Donczew, while they are apparently close to signing a new centre-back in a surprise swoop.

Danny Welbeck is set for a medical at Chelsea, who have clinched another shock signing in the form of Jordan Henderson as they also get ready to announce the arrival of Maxence Lacroix. Liverpool are launching their first bid for Bradley Barcola, who wants to move to Anfield, while Manchester United remain in pursuit of a third midfielder as they target the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba.

Marcus Rashford could join Tottenham, who are pushing to sign Savinho, and Manchester City may soon lose Rodri to Real Madrid with talks now under way. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Roberto De Zerbi has plenty to ponder ahead of London derby Down Under

Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite eventually beating their A-League opponents 4-2 on penalties, Roberto De Zerbi’s side were unable to follow up on their comfortable victories over MK Dons and Auckland FC to begin pre-season.

Spurs dominated the first half and took the lead in the 29th minute after Mathys Tel struck a superb right-footed free-kick from the edge of the box.

Sydney had struggled to impose themselves in the final third but were handed a route back into the game in the second half after substitute Kota Takai’s interception fell kindly for Takahiro Sekine to finish.

Tottenham wasted several chances to win the game in regulation time, but Dane Scarlett struck the decisive penalty in the shootout to ensure they took victory in their opening fixture of the Sydney Super Cup.

Tel continues productive start to pre-season

Opportunities were few and far between for Tel last season, and his Spurs future was in doubt around the turn of the year.

De Zerbi, though, appears to value the Frenchman’s directness and ability to get into shooting positions.

He was rewarded for a positive cameo against Auckland with a start in Sydney and repaid De Zerbi’s faith with a confident performance as Spurs dominated the opening 45 minutes.

Tel linked up well with versatile youngster Rio Kyerematen and should have scored when found free by Manor Solomon inside the box.

His free-kick capped a daring performance that encapsulated Spurs’ front-footed approach and he displayed his quality in a game that lacked finesse for large parts.

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Though Luca Williams-Barnett impressed off the bench, striking the crossbar with a fierce left-footed effort, Tel’s absence was notable in the second half as Spurs struggled to threaten consistently.

Celebration: Mathys Tel gave Tottenham the lead over Sydney FC with an excellent free-kick

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Spurs struggle to stamp their authority

Keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s injury crisis, De Zerbi has been careful to manage the minutes of several key first-team players at the start of pre-season.

Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, James Maddison and Destiny Udogie were among the players to watch from the stands as Spurs faltered after being pegged back by Sydney.

Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven were also absent, and Spurs struggled to make their dominance count as a bright start soon gave way to a frustrating and error-strewn display in the final third.

Andy Robertson’s introduction from the bench elevated Spurs’ performance and they should have scored twice from his deliveries into the box.

Robertson’s cameo, alongside the introduction of Sandro Tonali, highlighted the step up in quality between Spurs’ first team and the rest of the squad.

De Zerbi will hope that he can call upon a few more senior players when his side face Chelsea this weekend.

Surprise start: Lucas Bergvall has asked to leave Spurs this summer

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De Zerbi wants Bergvall to stay

Lucas Bergvall was handed his first start of pre-season after returning from the World Cup, yet his Spurs future remains in major doubt despite De Zerbi asserting that he wants the 20-year-old to stay in north London.

Bergvall wants to leave Spurs in search of regular minutes in his preferred position as a No8 and has interest from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

De Zerbi admitted at full-time against Sydney that he could not guarantee the Swedish international the game time he was after and said he would not stand in his way if the club received a suitable offer.

"The situation is clear, he wants space and to play in a double pivot but I cannot give a guarantee to any player that he can play,” De Zerbi said.

"He was right that he wants to play as a central midfielder.

"I would like he stays, but if he doesn't want I can do nothing. He will then have to speak to (chief executive) Vinai [Venkatesham] or (sporting director) Johan [Lange]. He has to have the right spirit to stay."

After splashing £185million to sign Fernandes and Tonali, Spurs need to trim their midfield options. Bergvall is likely to be the first out the door as the club look to recoup some of their huge summer outlay.

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The Swede indicated to Spurs that he wanted to leave north London this summer in search of more regular game time, with Nottingham Forest seeing a bid rejected and Newcastle registering their interest in the midfielder.

The 20-year-old was handed a start in the engine room alongside stand-in skipper Archie Gray in Tottenham’s second pre-season friendly of their tour of Australia, where De Zerbi’s side bested Sydney FC 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Bergvall was given a rare opportunity with summer signing Mateus Fernandes dropping out of the matchday squad entirely as a precautionary measure, while fellow new recruit Sandro Tonali came off the bench.

The £185million double arrival of the pair seems to have pushed the Sweden international further down the pecking order at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as he competes with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Conor Gallagher and Gray for a start in the engine room.

Should he want to play as a more advanced No10, he would then be up against James Maddison, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, although all three have been dealing with their own respective injury problems. Gallagher was fielded as the attacking midfield outlet against Sydney.

De Zerbi said of Bergvall after the game: “It’s very clear, his idea. He wants space. He wants to play as a double pivot as a position.

“I can’t give, for any player in the world, the place in the first XI guaranteed. I want to be honest with the players. I want to be clear. I don’t want to make the first mistake. In terms of position, I can’t give a guarantee.

“It’s right when he wants to play as a central midfielder. But to play as a central midfielder, [you need to] attack, [play as] the holder and move the ball faster He has to improve. I would like him to stay, but if he doesn’t want, then what can I do? Nothing. He has to speak with Vinai [Venkatesham] or Johan Lange.”

“Tottenham is already, without me, a top club and we are not to convince anyone to stay. He can find the space if he stays with us. The competition within the players will be very strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad. Not just 11 players. Especially considering a lot of injuries we suffered in the last two, three seasons.

“Football is going in a clear direction – to compete for the highest places in the table, you have to manage 22, 23, 24 players. I don’t want 24, but 21, 22, of a high level, for sure.

“[He has] never [asked me to leave]. I was speaking with him before the end of last season. During the World Cup twice too. But now we are speaking better, face to face, without a competition in this moment.

“His position is very clear for me now. I needed time to understand the characteristics of the players. But I would like hi m to stay with us. He’s very young, a very good player, a good guy. It’s not so easy so fast to find a young player of that level.”

Injury fears were sparked over £85m signing as pre-season derby looms in Sydney

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Mateus Fernandes missed Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Sydney FC due to fatigue in his calf.

Fernandes was left out of Spurs’ squad entirely for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly at Allianz Stadium, raising concerns among fans that he had suffered an injury in the lead-up to the game.

The Portuguese midfielder was seen in a recent video standing on the sidelines as the rest of the squad trained in Australia, leading to supporter panic on social media that was only heightened after the team to face Sydney FC was announced.

Tottenham boss De Zerbi has been keen not to risk several of his key first-team players during pre-season so far, leaving club-record £100million signing Sandro Tonali out of the squad for Spurs’ 2-0 win over Auckland FC at Eden Park on Sunday.

Speaking about Fernandes after the game against Sydney FC, after which Spurs won a penalty shootout 4-2, De Zerbi sought to downplay any fears that the 22-year-old had suffered an injury, and said he would be ready to train again once Tottenham return to London next week.

That would rule him out of Spurs’ final Sydney Super Cup match against London rivals Chelsea at Accor Stadium on Saturday.

“Fernandes is just fatigued, the calf,” De Zerbi said. “Also for him we took the decision not to take any risk and to recover. But next Wednesday, when we start pre-season in London, he will be ready to work.”

Sidelined: Mateus Fernandes did not feature as Tottenham beat Sydney FC on penalties

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Tottenham remained without a host of first-team players against Sydney FC, including those still on post-World Cup breaks, injured or lacking in match fitness.

Asked about load management for players, De Zerbi responded: “[Kevin] Danso, [Micky] Van de Ven, [Dominic] Solanke, Jan Paul van Hecke, I thought today they were not yet ready to play without risk.

“Maybe some of them can play the next game Saturday with Chelsea, maybe not at the beginning.

“Maybe in the beginning [Andy] Robertson and Sandro Tonali, but it’s the management of the players, especially after World Cup or after big injuries like [Destiny] Udogie or Solanke.

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“They suffered long injuries last season, and after a long trip, after the jet lag, after the beginning of the pre-season, I wouldn't like to take any risk.”

Quizzed on where he felt his squad were at in terms of readiness, the Spurs boss replied: “No, no, the physical condition is not the same for every player.

“Some players are ready to play 70 minutes, 80 minutes, maybe Archie Gray… I don't know. Ben Davies, Mateus Fernandes, even today he didn't play and some are going in the right direction. Tonali, [Conor] Gallagher.

“Gallagher is another player who is able to play 80 minutes. Like Mathys Tel, like Richarlison, Manor Solomon and other players.

“They are working to increase their condition, but I think all teams, also Chelsea, also Liverpool or other teams with a lot of players who played in the World Cup, I think they are spending the same time.”

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Robertson impresses on Spurs debut as youngsters continue to prove worth

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Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham beat Sydney FC 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with their A-League opponents at Allianz Stadium.

Mathys Tel gave Spurs the lead after 29 minutes in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly as he struck a superb right-footed free-kick from the edge of the box.

Tottenham had dominated proceedings but were pegged back after the break when Kota Takai’s interception fell kindly for Takahiro Sekine.

With the score level at full-time, the game went to penalties, and Dane Scarlett netted the decisive spot-kick to hand Spurs the win.

Here’s how Standard Sport rated the Tottenham players.

Martin Dubravka 7

Forced into a full-length save to deny Rhys Youlley. Came off his line well to close down a couple of Sydney balls in behind in the second half.

Produced an excellent stop to deny Alex Popovic from the penalty spot.

Rio Kyerematen 6

Some bright moments in attack, linking up well with Tel. Should have done better with a couple of efforts, and was nearly punished for a poor pass when Mathias Macallister’s effort from inside his own half dropped wide of the goal.

Impressed going forward after being moved to right-back.

Ben Davies 6

A sturdy performance from Davies as he helped marshal Spurs’ young defence. Replaced by Takai at half-time.

Malachi Hardy 6

Another confident display, but let Macallister in right before half-time.

Tye Hall 6

Solid if unspectacular. These were more invaluable minutes for the young defender, even if he did not stand out.

Archie Gray 7

Given the captain’s armband for the second game running, this was another confident performance from Gray. Dovetailed nicely with Bergvall.

Shop window: Lucas Bergvall started for Tottenham despite asking to leave the club

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Lucas Bergvall 7

Handled the ball well under pressure and carried with purpose as Tottenham produced wave after wave of attacks. Came off at half-time for Tonali.

Manor Solomon 7

A tricky customer for the Sydney defence, he wriggled free from pressure on several occasions and won the free-kick from which Tel opened the scoring.

Had ice on his left thigh after coming off in the second half.

Conor Gallagher 7

Could have scored twice in the first half, spurning a presentable chance when found free by Solomon before hitting the post from outside the box. Integral to Spurs’ high press.

Mathys Tel 8

Spurs’ brightest attacking threat. He got the goal his performance deserved when he struck a wonderful free-kick from the edge of the box. Replaced at half-time.

On target: Mathys Tel scored Tottenham’s opening goal against Sydney FC from a free-kick

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Richarlison 6

Pressed with intent and forced Sydney goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot into gifting possession to Tel. Struggled to hold the ball up and did not offer much by way of a goal threat.

Subs

Sandro Tonali 6

Stung the palms of Hoefsloot with a drive from the edge of the area. Scored his penalty confidently.

Luca Williams-Barnett 7

Made an almost immediate impact as he struck the bar with a fierce left-footed effort. A bright performance from the youngster, though his decision-making was rash at times.

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Capped his performance with a Panenka in the penalty shootout.

Kota Takai 5

Was unfortunate to see his interception inadvertently fall into the path of Sekine for Sydney’s equaliser. He had initially done the right thing in spotting the danger and closing to cut off the ball in behind.

Andy Robertson 7

Showed his class with a dangerous cross to the back post which Yang should have converted before again teeing up the South Korean teenager for a free header. Scored from the spot.

Making their mark: Archie Gray, Andy Robertson and Sandro Tonali

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Yang Min-Hyeok 4

Spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to put Spurs ahead from a Robertson cross. Should also have done better with a free header from another Robertson delivery.

Dane Scarlett 6

Could not get into the game during regulation time, but wrapped up the win by scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout.

Mason Melia 5

Nearly got on the end of a late chance but otherwise struggled to make an impact.

Jamie Donley 5

Constantly asked for the ball and tried to get Spurs playing forward. Missed his penalty to let Sydney back into the shootout.

Tyler Tingey N/A

Had little to do defensively as Spurs pressed for a winner.

Harry Byrne N/A

Similar to Tingey, his influence was minimal as Spurs chased a second goal.

Unused: Kinsky, Tyrese Hall, Russell-Denny, Ajayi.

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Sydney FC are Tottenham’s opponents in the Sydney Super Cup as Roberto De Zerbi’s side continue their pre-season campaign Down Under this morning. Spurs beat Auckland FC 2-0 in their first game at Eden Park on Sunday, with Richarlison and Dane Scarlett both on the scoresheet. Sandro Tonali will be hoping for his first minutes of the trip after missing that victory with a minor undisclosed issue, while fellow new recruit Mateus Fernandes will also look to be involved after new injury fears around him were dismissed.

This will technically be the third friendly Spurs have played this summer, having also beaten Milton Keynes in a behind-closed-doors affair before they flew across the world. Tottenham face Chelsea on Saturday but first take on the team who finished fourth in the Australian A-League last term, and they will play in front of a sell-out Allianz Stadium crowd in New South Wales.

Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke will also be hoping for first minutes in their new colours after respective summer switches from Liverpool and Brighton. Keep up to date with all the latest action from Sydney with our live blog below.

Spurs aiming for hat-trick of pre-season wins before Chelsea showdown

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Sydney FC vs Tottenham LIVE

Sydney FC are Tottenham’s opponents in the Sydney Super Cup as Roberto De Zerbi’s side continue their pre-season campaign Down Under this morning. Spurs beat Auckland FC 2-0 in their first game at Eden Park on Sunday, with Richarlison and Dane Scarlett both on the scoresheet. Sandro Tonali will be hoping for his first minutes of the trip after missing that victory with a minor undisclosed issue, while fellow new recruit Mateus Fernandes will also look to be involved after new injury fears around him were dismissed.

This will technically be the third friendly Spurs have played this summer, having also beaten Milton Keynes in a behind-closed-doors affair before they flew across the world. Tottenham face Chelsea on Saturday but first take on the team who finished fourth in the Australian A-League last term, and they will play in front of a sell-out Allianz Stadium crowd in New South Wales.

Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke will also be hoping for first minutes in their new colours after respective summer switches from Liverpool and Brighton. Keep up to date with all the latest action from Sydney with our live blog below.

Sydney FC vs Tottenham latest news

Five minute warning

The players are out, and we’re about to get underway.

Ten minutes to kick off

Who will win this one?

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Why is Fernandes not playing for Spurs?

Mateus Fernandes has been left out of Tottenham’s squad for their pre-season friendly against Sydney FC on Wednesday.

The Portuguese midfielder, who has played in each of Spurs’ first two pre-season games following his £85million move from West Ham, was seen in a recent video standing on the sidelines as the rest of the squad trained in Australia, raising concerns that he had suffered an injury.

Those fears, though, have reportedly been allayed with head coach Roberto De Zerbi carefully managing the minutes of several first-team players during a busy summer tour.

Destiny Udogie, James Maddison and Jan Paul van Hecke have all also been left out of Spurs’ squad for Wednesday’s game against A-League opposition at Allianz Stadium.

Read more here!

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De Zerbi issues youngsters challenge

“Archie is young, but he's an old player, as a mentality, as a performance, as an experience, as a career,” the Spurs boss said of today’s captain.

“But the young players have to push, because with me as a coach, they have the chance to play. Logically, they have to show me they are ready, they have qualities, they have a mentality to play in this club.

“But when I decide the players, when I decide the squad, I never see the age of the players.”

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De Zerbi explains Maddison absence

De Zerbi named a youthful starting lineup against Auckland featuring eight academy graduates and Archie Gray wore the captain’s armband.

But there was no room for James Maddison, who continues his return from an ACL injury.

“He's not working the last five days, I think, like Udogie, but they have not a big problem, just to stay focused, don't take any risks and then for the next game, the next friendly game against Sydney.

“Maybe we play with Tonali, with other players, maybe, we've got to see.”

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Around the ground

The stage is set in Sydney!

No Fernandes!

A bit of a surprise, as we expected the Portuguese to be on the bench here, but he is not involved at all in the matchday squad.

It’s believed to just be a precautionary measure from De Zerbi to manage the summer signing’s load after a long flight and two starts against Milton Keynes and Auckland.

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Sydney FC lineup

Here’s how the hosts lineup this morning...

Tottenham lineup

Tottenham XI: Dubravka; Kyerematen, Davies, Hardy, Hall; Gray, Bergvall; Solomon, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison

Subs: Kinsky, Robertson, Takai, Tingey, Byrne, Tyrese Hall, Russell-Denny, Donley, Tonali, Ajayi, Yang, Williams-Barnett, Scarlett

Spurs predicted XI

Who will start for Spurs this morning?

Sam Tabuteau had a stab at predicting the lineup...

Find out here!

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Spurs searching for third consecutive summer win under Roberto De Zerbi

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham take on Sydney FC this morning in the second match of their pre-season tour.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side started their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Auckland FC at Eden Park last weekend, and they will be looking to make it three wins from three after also beating Milton Keynes 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The Italian named a youthful team against Auckland as he was wary of exposing some of the senior players to match action so quickly after a 30-hour round trip to New Zealand.

Some more familiar faces are expected to take the field in Sydney, and supporters will be hoping to get a first glimpse of new signings Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, along with Mateus Fernandes.

Eyeing return: James Maddison

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Club record signing Sandro Tonali also missed out against Auckland, and De Zerbi will be keen to get the £100million man back involved as quickly as possible.

James Maddison and Destiny Udogie were both absent from the Auckland game, and De Zerbi revealed afterwards that he was unwilling to take risks with their fitness. The pair are doubts to play against Sydney and will be assessed ahead of kick-off with Tonali.

"He's not working the last five days, I think, like Udogie, but they have not a big problem, just to stay focused, don't take any risks,” De Zerbi said.

"For the next friendly game against Sydney, maybe we play with Tonali, with others, maybe, we've got to see."

Dominic Solanke was also not named in the matchday squad against Auckland, as De Zerbi looks to manage the minutes of those who struggled with injuries last season.

New man: Sandro Tonali

Tottenham Hotspur

Those on extended leave from the World Cup have yet to return and won’t be available until Spurs arrive back in London early next month.

That means there will continue to be opportunities for the younger players in the squad. Centre-back Malachi Hardy has particularly impressed, while Mikey Moore is hoping to seal a place in the first team.

Mathys Tel made a positive impact off the bench against Auckland, while strikers Dane Scarlett and Richarlison were both on the scoresheet as they look to make a case for their futures at the club.

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Midfielder Jamie Donley has made a good impression on De Zerbi, but hobbled off against Auckland and headed straight down the tunnel. It is unclear how severe his injury is, but he will hope to play again before the tour ends.

Spurs take on Sydney in the first of two games as part of the Sydney Super Cup, with De Zerbi’s side also set to face London rivals Chelsea this weekend.

Predicted Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Hall, Van Hecke, Takai, Robertson; Fernandes, Gray, Gallagher; Tel, Moore, Richarlison

Doubts: Donley, Tonali, Udogie, Maddison

Time and date: 10.45am BST on Wednesday July 29, 2026

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

How to watch: SpursPlay

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