De Zerbi eases Tottenham worries as Fernandes' calf fatigue clears

Under the bright lights of the Sydney Super Cup, Tottenham Hotspur watched a 4‑2 penalty‑shootout win over Sydney FC before hearing head coach Roberto de Zerbi confirm that summer signing Mateus Fernandes is only dealing with calf fatigue, not a serious injury, and should be fit to train in London next week. The reassurance arrived just as the squad prepared to return home, allowing fans and staff to breathe a sigh of relief.

The update was reported by Getty Images and followed Tottenham's victory over Sydney FC in the Sydney Super Cup. It highlighted the club’s focus on accurate injury communication during the third pre‑season fixture.

De Zerbi delivered the positive news during the match, emphasizing that no risks were being taken with the Portuguese midfielder. He stressed that the coaching staff preferred caution over haste.

A number of senior players – Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Jan Paul van Hecke and Destiny Udogie – were also absent, reflecting a cautious approach to fitness ahead of the season. Their omission underlined the club’s broader health strategy.

When asked about Fernandes' condition, De Zerbi said, "It is just fatigue in the calf. We took the decision to not take any risks with him. Next week, when we return to London, he will be able to work." The quote confirmed that the player’s training schedule remains intact.

He added that the same precaution applied to Danso, van de Ven, Solanke and van Hecke, who might feature in the upcoming game against Chelsea. This indicates that the coaching staff may rotate these players once they are cleared.

De Zerbi noted that managing players after the World Cup or after long injuries, such as those endured by Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke last season, is essential to avoid further setbacks, especially after a long trip and jet lag. The comment highlighted the club’s long‑term player welfare plan.

Tottenham's next pre‑season match is set for Saturday, 1 August, against Chelsea in the Sydney Super Cup at 10:45 BST. De Zerbi hinted that Andy Robertson and Sandro Tonali could start while other returning players may be introduced later.

Getty Images provided visual coverage of the event, capturing both the on‑field action and the post‑match briefing. The imagery reinforced the club’s transparent communication with supporters.