Scarred by the decimation of the past two seasons, Tottenham Hotspur are opting for caution at the start of 2026/27.
Despite the absence of European competition, workloads are being carefully managed and risks are unlikely to be taken with potential injuries, even if players are only dealing with knocks.
As a result, Spurs could be without their two starting full-backs for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton.
Roberto De Zerbi has already clashed with the new-look medical staff, suggesting after the Nottingham Forest draw that he was frustrated with two pre-determined substitutions. Sávio and Destiny Udogie, both of whom have had fitness concerns at the start of their Spurs career and in preseason, respectively, were withdrawn on the hour—a decision supposedly dictated by the medical team.
Now, such an approach could create short-term consternation for the sake of long-term gain. Given how bad our injury record has been over the past two years, a change was very much needed.
De Zerbi confirms Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie concerns for Everton
Some are describing Saturday's bout with the Toffees as a must-win. It's certainly not as significant as our previous clash against David Moyes' side, but De Zerbi's first full season at the helm requires ignition.
We've mustered just a single point through three games thus far, and were picked off by Newcastle United in our home opener two weeks ago. Supporters, who backed De Zerbi to the hilt after he kept us up, need something to get behind again. We cannot become desensitised to defeats.
However, our chances of securing a much-needed victory will be reduced if De Zerbi is without starting full-backs Pedro Porro and Udogie. The boss said on Friday that Porro is dealing with a small muscular issue, while the injury-prone Udogie needs to be carefully managed.
"I don't want take any risks," the Italian commented.
Both are imperative to the manager, particularly Porro, whose asked to rotate infield and play a key role in ensuring his team get up the pitch. Without him, Spurs lose a reliable technician in the build-up.
The departure of Djed Spence means Archie Gray is his second in-command, and although I'm a big fan of the young Englishman in general, he's often struggled at right-back during his Premier League career.
Udogie's role on the left isn't quite so complex, and I still think Robertson is useful in reserve, especially going forward. Fortunately, Everton aren't blessed with masterful one-on-one wide players who prefer to play on Robertson's flank, with Brennan Johnson getting the nod last weekend.
Still, what are the odds of the former Tottenham man breaking his lengthy goal drought?
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