Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season preparations are underway, and the team is gearing up for their first friendly match against MK Dons behind closed doors. This match will provide an opportunity for manager Roberto De Zerbi to assess his squad and gauge the progress of new signings and returning players. With a busy summer transfer window behind them, spending over £200 million on new players, the focus now shifts to integrating these new talents into the team.
One of the key players to watch is Sandro Tonali, who has been a significant summer signing. However, his minutes may be limited due to late pre-season training entry caused by work permit issues. Fellow new signing Martin Dubravka has also been part of the training, but players who participated in the World Cup have yet to join the squad.
Scotland left-back Andy Robertson, a free transfer from Liverpool, was present at Hotspur Way on Tuesday, marking his first day as a Spurs player. Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, and Marcos Senesi will also take extended breaks after the World Cup final, indicating a need for rest and recovery.
Several players are on the comeback trail following injuries. Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are still recovering from ACL issues, while Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are working their way back to fitness after serious quad and knee injuries, respectively. Mikey Moore, who had an impressive loan spell at Rangers, has been involved with the first-team squad and could get minutes against MK Dons as De Zerbi assesses his future.
Academy player Jamie Donley has also impressed De Zerbi in recent weeks and is likely to feature in the match. De Zerbi is expected to make numerous changes to give every player a chance to get some minutes under their belt.
Despite the expected heavy rotation, Standard Sport has predicted the starting lineup for Spurs' first pre-season friendly. The predicted XI includes Kinsky, Takai, Phillips, Davies, Udogie, Fernandes, Tonali, Yang, Donley, Tel, and Solanke. The match will take place at 5 pm BST on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Hotspur Way.
This friendly match is a crucial step in Tottenham's pre-season preparations, allowing De Zerbi to experiment and fine-tune his team's strategy before the new Premier League campaign begins. With a mix of new signings, returning players, and those on the comeback trail, the match will provide valuable insights into the team's potential and the manager's tactical approach.
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