Tottenham Prepares for Premier League Season with Hoffenheim Friendlies

Tottenham step up their preparations for the new Premier League season this weekend with a double-header against Hoffenheim that will test both Roberto De Zerbi’s plans and his squad depth.

The Bundesliga side visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today, before the clubs do it all again less than 24 hours later in a behind-closed-doors clash at Hotspur Way. Two games, two different stages, and almost certainly two completely different XIs.

De Zerbi’s fitness gamble

De Zerbi is using the unusual schedule as a sharpener. Spurs are likely to field separate starting lineups in each fixture, with those who feature heavily today expected to sit out tomorrow and vice versa. The aim is clear: squeeze as many minutes as possible into tired legs before the Premier League kicks off next weekend.

Tottenham remain unbeaten in pre-season, but the gloss has dulled slightly. A 1-1 draw with Getafe in a 70-minute, behind-closed-doors friendly last Saturday checked their momentum. That match was followed later in the day by an in-house game for those who had not been involved, including new arrivals Mateus Fernandes and Marcos Senesi.

Even with two friendlies on the same day, De Zerbi still had a list of absentees that will nag at him as the season looms into view.

Maddison and Van de Ven concerns

James Maddison’s situation leads that list. Touted as a leading contender for the captaincy once Cristian Romero completes his move to Atletico Madrid, the playmaker has yet to play a single minute in pre-season.

Tottenham are taking no risks. Maddison is still working his way back from the anterior cruciate ligament injury that wiped out most of his previous campaign, and the club are determined not to jeopardise his long-term recovery for the sake of a friendly.

Micky van de Ven, another strong candidate to wear the armband and fresh from signing a lucrative new contract, has also been conspicuous by his absence. Since returning from extended leave after the World Cup, he has not featured under De Zerbi.

There is no clarity yet on whether Van de Ven is struggling with a specific fitness issue, but De Zerbi will want him involved in some capacity this weekend. The clock is ticking.

Porro returns to centre stage

One defender De Zerbi can finally lean on again is Pedro Porro. The World Cup winner received a guard of honour from team-mates when he walked back into the training ground this week, a nod to his status and importance.

At 26, and having signed a new long-term deal in June, Porro is set to be a central figure in De Zerbi’s system. He is expected to be the undisputed first-choice right-back, especially with Djed Spence on the verge of leaving for Inter Milan.

Spence will not be involved against Hoffenheim as he edges towards that move. The same goes for club captain Romero, who is in Madrid undergoing a medical ahead of his switch to Atletico. Two departures, two big personalities out of the dressing room, and another reason why the captaincy conversation has intensified.

Kudus edging back

There is, at least, a glimmer of attacking good news. Mohammed Kudus could finally pull on a Spurs shirt again for the first time since January.

The forward has rejoined full-team training after a serious quad injury that derailed his year. His workload is being handled with care, especially after De Zerbi admitted the club rushed Kudus back earlier in the year, a misstep that led to a setback in April.

Now the staff are taking the long view. Two friendlies in two days offer chances, not pressure. If Kudus can come through this weekend unscathed, and if Maddison and Van de Ven are not far behind, De Zerbi’s squad might yet look ready when the real stuff starts next week.