Djed Spence has returned to Tottenham Hotspur's training ground, months after leaving the club in a £25million transfer to Inter Milan. The defender is back in north London as part of England's Nations League squad for this month's international break.
Spence was called up by Thomas Tuchel to serve as one of the Three Lions' two left-back options alongside Newcastle United's Lewis Hall. The 26-year-old starred at last summer's World Cup in England's run to the semi-finals in North America, starting in the 2-1 defeat by Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia.
Summer Move to Serie A
Spence made the switch to Serie A in the transfer window following the tournament, in a £25million deal. Tottenham had already signed Andy Robertson to bolster their defensive numbers under Roberto De Zerbi, who oversaw a £380m summer overhaul of his first-team squad.
His game time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium already looked in jeopardy with Pedro Porro the club's vice-captain and go-to option at right-back, while versatile midfielder Archie Gray also deputised ably in that role. At left-back, Destiny Udogie had established himself as the first-choice pick, despite his persistent injury issues.
Reunion With Former Team-Mates
Spence's return to Hotspur Way was captured on social media, with the full-back posting a photograph on his Instagram story posing with three former team-mates: Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, and Richarlison. The first two are among Spurs' injured players, while Richarlison has been frozen out under De Zerbi after not being registered in the club's Premier League squad this term.
The Brazilian failed to secure a departure out of the capital in the summer, unlike Spence, and he has not featured for the club since the transfer window and squad registration deadline closed.
