Tottenham Pre-Season Squad Revealed Amidst Injury Crisis and Goalkeeper Exit Speculation
New signings join academy prospects for New Zealand and Australia tour; key players sidelined with long-term injuries, Vicario's future uncertain.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Tottenham has announced its 35-man squad for the pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia, integrating new talent while grappling with significant injury setbacks and mounting transfer speculation.
Recent acquisitions Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson bolster Tottenham's pre-season roster, signaling a clear intent to reinforce defensive and midfield options for the new campaign.
Highly rated academy players Luca Williams-Barnett, Tyler Tingey, and Mikey Moore also earned spots, underscoring the club's commitment to nurturing emerging talent and highlighting a robust pipeline of future prospects.
Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who impressed in a friendly against MK Dons with Fernandes scoring, join the traveling contingent; their recent performance suggests readiness for increased roles.
However, several key figures remain at Hotspur Way for intensive rehabilitation: Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert will not travel.
Specific programs and projected timelines for their return to full training remain undisclosed, a lack of clarity that fuels concern regarding their availability for the season's start.
Guglielmo Vicario, nursing a minor knock of undisclosed nature, also undergoes treatment in London; his absence intensifies speculation surrounding his future at the club.
No projected timeline for Vicario's full recovery and return to training has been disclosed, and this silence amplifies transfer rumors despite his two years remaining on contract.
Fears mount over the long-term nature of Dejan Kulusevski's persistent knee issues, a significant concern that could severely impact the club's attacking options for the season.
Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons face months on the sidelines after undergoing cruciate knee ligament surgeries, representing a major setback for their integration into the first-team squad.
Vicario's absence from the tour fuels talk of a summer exit; the 29-year-old is tipped to leave the Lilywhites this summer.
Various Serie A clubs, including Juventus, Inter, and Napoli, show interest, with Tottenham aiming to bring in £50 million for the Argentina international.
This situation echoes historical patterns where goalkeepers with significant contract time have moved on when a clear succession plan emerges, as the club prioritizes squad evolution over individual tenure.
Antonin Kinsky, a Czech professional footballer, is set as the main goalkeeper for the north London club next season under De Zerbi, with new arrival Martin Dubravka slated as his number two.
There is no direct information available regarding Roberto De Zerbi's assessment of Kinsky's readiness, but this strategic shift deems Vicario surplus to requirements.
Juventus emerges as the most likely destination for the Italy international, who seeks consistent first-team football, as the Serie A giants actively seek a new goalkeeper.
Juventus has also eyed Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez, indicating a competitive market for top-tier talent and underscoring their ambition.
Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero, and Djed Spence have all been granted extended leave following their demanding international commitments.
This aligns with Tottenham's historical policy of granting extended leave to players returning from the World Cup, a policy that has evolved to show flexibility in recent seasons.
Marcos Senesi, specifically, is on an extended break after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina, highlighting the immense physical demands placed on elite athletes in a congested football calendar.
Antonin Kinsky and Martin Dubravka are expected to feature prominently during the pre-season tour, gaining crucial experience and establishing their roles in Vicario's absence.
Brandon Austin and Dylan Thompson have also traveled to New Zealand, ensuring ample goalkeeping options for the pre-season fixtures and demonstrating the club's depth.
The club's decision to name four goalkeepers in the traveling squad makes Vicario's participation in New Zealand or Australia unlikely, solidifying the narrative of his impending departure and the reshaping of Tottenham's goalkeeping landscape.
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