Tottenham will have several debutants but a number of key players missing as they face Brentford in their Premier League opener today. New captain Micky van de Ven did not play at all during pre-season after returning from extended leave following the World Cup, and De Zerbi confirmed on Friday that he would not be in the squad to face Brentford, either.
De Zerbi confirms absentees
De Zerbi also said vice-skipper Porro would not be involved and that Pape Matar Sarr has picked up a hamstring injury that is not thought to be serious but will keep him out this weekend.
There was some positive news, with Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Mateus Fernandes all training ahead of Spurs’ trip across the capital. De Zerbi said they would be “inside”, indicating they might all make the squad.
Fernandes in contention
Summer arrival Fernandes, signed from West Ham for £85m, has been struggling with a calf issue since linking up with Spurs on their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia, and does not start.
De Zerbi has so far opted to be cautious with Spurs’ injured players in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season’s crisis.
That means winger Mohammed Kudus, who has returned to training but not played a single minute since January, so Mikey Moore gets an opportunity on the right wing.
Predicted lineup and match details
Predicted Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Moore, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison
Injured: Simons, Odobert, Porro, Kulusevski, Van de Ven, Kudus, Sarr
Doubts: Maddison, Solanke, Udogie
Time and date: 5.30pm BST on Saturday August 22, 2026
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports
