Sandro Tonali was absent from the Tottenham squad vs. Charlton Athletic.
Sandro Tonali’s debut for Tottenham Hotspur last weekend against Brentford did not go particularly well, as he and his teammates were embarrassed 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Italian was a part of the midfield setup alongside Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher, and the Spurs trio thoroughly kept losing the midfield battle to Brentford. While Sandro Tonali was the best of the triumvirate, the expectations were a lot higher from the Tottenham supporters on his much-anticipated debut.
After an anonymous 45 minutes, the 26-year-old improved in the second half with the inclusion of Rodrigo Bentancur and Mateus Fernandes. It was hoped that he’d build on it in midweek, but the central midfielder was not included in the squad against Charlton Athletic.
Roberto De Zerbi gives Sandro Tonali update ahead
Tottenham fans were surprised not to see Tonali a part of the squad that faced Charlton Athletic in the second round of the Carabao Cup. In fact, given the injury problems Spurs have faced over the last few years, they have all been fearing the worst following the Italian’s absence on Wednesday.
However, Roberto De Zerbi cleared the air in his post-match press conference. He stated that Tonali was working to build his physical fitness levels on Tuesday, whilst later admitting that the Italian international will be in his first XI vs. Newcastle United.
“Sandro was in a plan to work with Marco Senesi yesterday, very strong, to improve their physical condition. Sandro has to work to feel better in terms of physical condition, but Saturday he will play in the first XI,” De Zerbi said in his press conference (h/t Football London).
Tonali will be keen to prove his credentials against his former employers
De Zerbi’s words suggest Tonali is not yet at his peak fitness levels, but expressed optimism that he will be this weekend when Spurs return to Premier League action against Newcastle. The game might carry a different edge, particularly after Spurs lured Tonali by paying big bucks to Newcastle in July.
The travelling Geordies are expected to be in full voice at St James’ Park, trying to show their resentment every time Tonali touches the ball. In reality, this fixture gives the Brescia-born talent the perfect platform to announce himself as a Tottenham player. He will be raring to show his former employers what they are missing with a strong performance.
Now that De Zerbi has confirmed the combative midfielder will be in his first XI, all eyes will be on how the club-record signing copes emotionally with the atmosphere and the pressure against the Magpies in front of a jam-packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
