Journalist Alasdair Gold has now revealed why Sandro Tonali was absent from pre-season training on July 10 following his big-money move to Tottenham.
Pre‑season preparation is now in full swing at Tottenham Hotspur, with their first friendly match coming up on 22 July.
Ahead of that game, several Spurs players have reported for duty, with 23 Tottenham stars spotted on the first day of training at Hotspur Way.
Several key players were present, including James Maddison and Mateus Fernandes, alongside long‑term absentees Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus.
However, big‑money record signing Sandro Tonali was not involved, and it has now been revealed why.
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| New signings | Mateus Fernandes, Martin Dubravka |
| Injured players present | Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert |
| Senior players spotted | Archie Gray, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Conor Gallagher, Richarlison, Destiny Udogie, Antonin Kinsky, Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Brandon Austin |
| Young players spotted | Dane Scarlett, Mikey Moore, Jamie Donley |
| Loan returnees | Kota Takai, Manor Solomon, Ashley Philips, Yang Min-hyeok |
| Absent | Sandro Tonali (work permit issue believed to be the cause) |
Why Tottenham’s Sandro Tonali missed the first day of pre-season training
Alasdair Gold of Football London has now explained that Tonali missed the first day of training because of his work permit.
The former Newcastle man, who only completed his move to Spurs a few weeks ago, is understood to be awaiting his work permit before he can begin pre‑season training.
It is explained that the Italian, however, is going through the process and that it is nothing to be concerned about.
Spurs continue pre‑season with several new signings yet to join up
With 23 players spotted in pre‑season, it is certainly a big number as Spurs look to improve on their dismal showing from last season.
However, there were still some other new signings not mentioned to have been seen, with the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi not spotted.
Of course, Senesi is still at the World Cup, hence his absence, while van Hecke and Robertson were also involved in the tournament and could return at a later date.
| Opponent | Date | Kick-off (BST) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK Dons | Wednesday, 22 July | 4:00pm | Hotspur Way, London (behind closed doors) |
| Auckland FC | Sunday, 26 July | 11:00am | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Sydney FC | Wednesday, 29 July | 11:00am | Sydney, Australia |
| Chelsea | Saturday, 1 August | 10:45am | Sydney, Australia |
| Getafe | Saturday, 8 August | 3:00pm | Hotspur Way, London (behind closed doors) |
| Hoffenheim | Saturday, 15 August | 3:00pm | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London |
| Hoffenheim | Sunday, 16 August | 1:00pm | Hotspur Way, London (behind closed doors) |
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