Tottenham’s International Break: Quiet Yet Beneficial

Tottenham’s international break looks quieter than usual – and that might suit them just fine.

Only two senior Spurs players have been called up so far, both by the Netherlands. Central defenders Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke have been selected by Dutch boss Xavi Hernandez, a nod to their form and growing influence in North London.

While those two pack their bags, others are staying put.

Porro ruled out, Kudus stays by choice

Pedro Porro’s absence is straightforward. He was withdrawn from Spain’s squad after suffering what appeared to be a hamstring injury in Tottenham’s 2-3 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. The knock forced him off and any lingering hope of joining up with the national team disappeared quickly.

Mohammed Kudus is a different story.

As reported by Alasdair Gold of Football.London, Kudus has voluntarily pulled out of Ghana duty to remain in London and focus on his recovery and fitness. He hasn’t started a match since before his injury last season, but his impact off the bench has been growing. Against Villa, he produced an assist and had another ruled out for offside in what was his sharpest display since returning.

Instead of chasing minutes in AFCON qualifiers, Kudus has chosen three weeks of hard work at Hotspur Way. For a player still trying to force his way into the starting XI, it’s a clear statement: club rhythm over international travel.

Academy rewards as England come calling

Lower down the age groups, there was brighter news for two of Spurs’ own.

Defender Malachi Hardy and attacker Luca Williams-Barnett have both been called up to England U19. It’s the first time either has made this specific age group, despite already being part of the national youth setup.

Hardy impressed heavily in pre-season, banking significant minutes and catching the eye with his composure and aggression at the back. Williams-Barnett, one of the standout talents in the academy, has been training with the first team and is highly rated inside the club, even if he has yet to make a Premier League bench.

So while the senior international list is unusually short, Tottenham’s training ground will stay busy – with injured regulars chasing fitness and hungry youngsters pushing for the next step.