De Zerbi eases Tottenham fears over Fernandes fitness

Roberto De Zerbi has moved to calm any concerns over Mateus Fernandes after the midfielder was left out of Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Sydney FC. The Portuguese star was a notable absentee from the matchday squad in Australia, sparking speculation that he had picked up a knock.

Footage from training had shown Fernandes working away from the main group before the fixture, which only fuelled the talk of an injury setback. However, speaking after the game, De Zerbi put those fears to rest by explaining that the 22-year-old is simply suffering from fatigue, not a muscular problem.

The Spurs head coach stressed that leaving Fernandes out was purely a precautionary measure. “Just fatigue, the calf. We took the decision to not take any risk and to recover,” De Zerbi said. “But next Wednesday when we start the pre-season in London, he will be ready to work.” The statement confirms that the latest news on Fernandes is positive and that his absence was never a major concern.

De Zerbi’s careful handling of Fernandes reflects a broader approach at Tottenham this summer. With an intensive Premier League campaign on the horizon, the club are prioritising long-term fitness over friendly minutes. Fernandes is expected to rejoin full sessions at Hotspur Way when the squad returns to London later this week.

The midfielder arrived at Tottenham in a high-profile move from West Ham, with a reported £85 million fee making him one of the club’s most expensive signings. He has already made a strong impression on supporters, scoring a stunning volley from distance on his unofficial debut against MK Dons and following it up with another lively display against Auckland City.

Fans were eager to see more of him in Australia, but De Zerbi is clearly focused on having Fernandes ready for the opening weeks of the season. The assurance that he will be back to full tilt once training resumes in London will come as a relief to the Tottenham faithful, who are excited by what the dynamic midfielder can bring to the side.

Fernandes’ early impact and what comes next

Although Fernandes has only featured in pre-season so far, his performances have already generated significant buzz. His ability to carry the ball forward, pick out passes and strike from distance makes him a potentially key figure in De Zerbi’s system. With a clean bill of health now confirmed, the Portuguese international should be integrated fully into the first-team setup over the coming weeks.