One Tottenham star will spend the next three weeks at Hotspur Way attempting to work his way up to peak physical condition.
With a three-week international break coming up, Roberto De Zerbi has an opportunity to go back to the basics in an effort to fix Tottenham’s issues.
The Lilywhites are still winless in the Premier League after five matches, and many Spurs fans are worried that the club may find themselves in another relegation fight.
Several of De Zerbi’s key players will now leave for international duty, but one experienced full-back will be staying back at Hotspur Way.
Tottenham left-back Destiny Udogie has not made Italy’s squad
While Sandro Tonali has made Italy’s squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Belgium, Turkey and France, Destiny Udogie has been left out.
The left-back has started just two matches so far this season, with summer signing Andy Robertson getting the nod in the early weeks of the campaign.
Alasdair Gold believes that Udogie’s exclusion from the Azzurri squad will come as welcome news for Tottenham, with the defender now having three weeks to build up his fitness.
Gold wrote on X: “No Destiny Udogie in the Italy squad for this long international break. He’ll be disappointed no doubt, but gives him three weeks to work with De Zerbi and Spurs’ staff on his fitness in order to keep this run of availability going. Can be such a big player for Tottenham.”
Which other Spurs players will be staying back at Hotspur Way during the international break?
Alongside Udogie, the likes of James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Conor Gallagher, Sávio, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marcos Senesi and Mathys Tel will stay back at Hotspur Way after not being called up by their national sides.
Among Spurs’ injured players, Dejan Kulusevski has now returned to full training, and the next three weeks could be very important for the Swede in building up his fitness after a year and a half on the sidelines.
Additionally, Pedro Porro has withdrawn from the Spain squad for the Nations League after the World Cup winner came off injured in the 19th minute against Aston Villa.