Mateus Fernandes has now shed light on his fitness, as some Tottenham fans feared the worst after his absence in training and from the club’s latest pre-season friendly.
After his absence from training in Sydney last week, there were rumours doing the rounds on social media about a potential injury for the 22-year-old.
The youngster also did not feature in the club’s pre-season friendly against Chelsea on Saturday, but Roberto De Zerbi has shut down any suggestions of an injury.
The Spurs boss has confirmed that Fernandes is only being rested due to fatigue in his half, adding that Tottenham are simply being cautious with the new signing.
Tottenham star Mateus Fernandes admits friends reached out to him over injury rumours
It appears that the fear-mongering of some Spurs fans on social media regarding the Portuguese international’s fitness also reached the player’s personal circle.
Fernandes revealed that a few of his friends reached out to him, concerned about the injury rumours, but he confirmed that he has only been resting due to fatigue.
When asked about his fitness, the midfielder told Football.London: “I saw my friends, they started to call me. They asked ‘What’s happened? What’s happened? You’re injured?’ No, I’m just a little bit fatigued, but it’s not too serious, and now I’m ready.”
Fernandes expects to rotate positions with Sandro Tonali
Speaking a couple of days ago, Sandro Tonali admitted that he does not know who will play as a six between him and Fernandes, but confessed that the Portuguese star may be more suited to a deeper role.
Fernandes has now insisted that it does not matter who plays deeper, suggesting that he and the Italian are capable of interchanging positions during matches.
When asked if he expects to play as a number six, the former West Ham star said: “Yeah, we’ll see. I think I can play more deeper, but he can play deeper as well. Depends on the game, sometimes he can play as a six and me as an eight, doesn’t matter. He’s a top guy, top teammate and an amazing player as well.”