Mateus Fernandes has returned to training with his Tottenham teammates after Roberto De Zerbi recently explained why the summer signing missed the club’s last two pre-season friendlies.
The former West Ham United midfielder arrived in North London in a short-lived club record £85m deal and wasted little time announcing himself to supporters, scoring a stunning strike just five minutes into Spurs’ first pre-season friendly against MK Dons.
The 22-year-old then came off the bench for the final half an hour of Tottenham’s next friendly against Auckland FC, but was left out of the matchday squad entirely for the subsequent games against Sydney FC and Chelsea.
His absence naturally sparked speculation over a possible injury, but Roberto De Zerbi quickly dismissed those concerns, explaining that Fernandes was simply dealing with calf fatigue and that the club were taking a cautious approach with one of their most important players.
Mateus Fernandes back with the Tottenham squad at Hotspur Way
De Zerbi’s comments now appear to have been proven correct as he revealed last week that Fernandes would be ready to return to work once the squad arrived back in London, and the latest images shared by Tottenham from today’s training session at Hotspur Way suggest exactly that.
Fernandes featured prominently throughout the club’s training gallery, alongside the rest of his teammates, as preparations continue ahead of their next pre-season friendly vs La Liga side Getafe.
The midfielder had already attempted to ease supporters’ concerns a few days ago after rumours surrounding his fitness began to spread.
Speaking to Football.London, Fernandes revealed that several of his friends had contacted him after hearing the speculation, but insisted there was never anything serious behind his absence.
“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.”
Mateus Fernandes believes Tottenham can challenge for the Premier League title
Despite joining a side that has finished 17th in each of the last two Premier League campaigns, Fernandes is convinced Tottenham can compete right at the top under Roberto De Zerbi.
Explaining what attracted him to the move, the Portuguese revealed, “It was the desire of playing for a big club, of winning games, to fight for the Premier League, for first place. And the way he (De Zerbi) spoke with me and my family was very important for me.
“He was calling me every day! So I’m very happy to work with him and hopefully we can do great things.
“We know everything can happen in the Premier League. Every match, it’s very difficult. We’re trying to look for the principles, day by day, game by game. Of course we have players that improve the team as well, and we go day by day, step by step. We will see.”