Journalist George Sessions has revealed why Marcos Senesi’s late call-up to Argentina’s World Cup squad is far from ideal for Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs’ World Cup representatives shot up to 10 when Andy Robertson was officially confirmed as a Tottenham player last week, and that number grew again on Thursday evening.
That was because Senesi received a call-up to the Argentina squad an hour before the World Cup got underway as a replacement for the injured Leonardo Balerdi.
The 29-year-old got the call-up just a little over 24 hours after sealing a switch to Tottenham as a free agent following four seasons at Bournemouth.
What Marcos Senesi’s call-up means for Tottenham’s pre-season plans
The 29-year-old would have been delighted to be part of the Albiceleste’s World Cup defence, but his call-up is not good news for De Zerbi.
PA Sport journalist George Sessions has revealed that Senesi’s call-up means that the centre-back will no longer be available for the start of Tottenham’s pre-season next month.
The Spurs head coach will have limited central defenders to work with in the first weeks of pre-season, with Senesi, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso and Luka Vuskovic all at the World Cup.
Sessions wrote on X: “Great news for new THFC centre-back Marcos Senesi, but a shame from a Spurs POV that he will not join up for day one of pre-season. Limited options at CB for Roberto De Zerbi to work with in the early part of pre-season with VDV, Danso, Vuskovic & Senesi (+ Romero) at the World Cup.”
Roberto De Zerbi has already hinted at his use of Senesi
In his first interview as a Tottenham player, Senesi admitted that he has set his sights on winning silverware with Spurs.
De Zerbi spoke glowingly of Senesi’s quality on the ball and his ability to play out from the back, while also praising the Argentine’s mentality and leadership.
The Tottenham boss also added that Senesi gives tactical ‘flexibility’ to Spurs, which potentially hints that the 46-year-old is open to fielding a back three against some teams next season.