Tottenham squad update: major fitness news for 2026

Tottenham Hotspur face pre-match uncertainty after two players were absent from the club’s latest training footage ahead of their next Premier League fixture. Lucas Bergvall and Mateus Fernandes did not feature in the Hotspur Way session, prompting questions about their availability.

The club later confirmed Fernandes is on personal leave following the birth of his first child, while manager Roberto De Zerbi is expected to provide clarity on Bergvall’s status in his pre-match press conference.

Tottenham squad update

The official training clip, released ahead of the upcoming domestic clash, did not show Bergvall or the club’s new signing Mateus Fernandes taking part in drills led by De Zerbi. Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those noting the omissions, which drew attention from supporters amid Tottenham’s developed injury list.

Tottenham have been managing a series of fitness concerns this season, so any absence can quickly become a talking point for fans tracking player availability. Fernandes’ absence has a clear explanation: the 22-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been granted personal leave after the birth of his first child. The club says the leave is temporary and he will return to North London to resume first-team preparations.

Context: Bergvall’s absence and squad fitness

In contrast, there is no publicly confirmed reason for Bergvall’s omission from the footage. De Zerbi is expected to address Bergvall’s availability — and the broader squad picture — during his upcoming pre-match press conference. Until then, the club has not stated that Bergvall is injured, and supporters will await the manager’s clarification for definitive information.

Progress on returns

De Zerbi has been balancing ongoing fitness issues with efforts to improve on-field performance. A positive development for Spurs is the progress of Dejan Kulusevski, who has edged closer to a full return after a lengthy knee injury. If Kulusevski is fit, he would bolster midfield options even as other players remain unavailable.

Why this matters for Tottenham

Any shift in player availability affects tactical planning and depth for upcoming Premier League fixtures. Fernandes’ short absence is non-injury related and should not disrupt long-term plans; his return is expected once his personal leave ends. Bergvall’s unexplained absence remains the more immediate concern, as it leaves questions about whether he is rested, dealing with a minor issue, or requires treatment.

Fans will monitor Tottenham’s official channels and De Zerbi’s pre-match remarks for definitive updates regarding Bergvall’s status and potential inclusion in the matchday squad.

What Happens Next

De Zerbi’s next pre-match press conference is the key moment for fresh information. He is expected to clarify Bergvall’s condition and outline any timeline for returns, while Fernandes is set to rejoin training after his paternity leave and be reintegrated into first-team work gradually.

Supporters should rely on official Tottenham communications and the manager’s remarks for authoritative updates ahead of the match, rather than relying solely on training footage.

Source: Original report

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