TOTTENHAM manager Roberto De Zerbi put fans’ fears at ease following rumours suggesting record signing Mateus Fernandes suffered a serious injury.
Spurs fended off competition from Premier League foes Manchester United and Arsenal to sign Fernandes, 22, for a staggering £85million.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi reassured fans about Mateus Fernandes’ fitness Credit: Getty Images – Getty
De Zerbi insists Fernandes will be back to work with Tottenham next week Credit: Getty Images – Getty
However, panic ensued on Tuesday as images surfaced of the midfielder watching the North Londoners train from the sidelines.
That led to speculation the Portugal international suffered a serious knee problem following an injury-plagued campaign that almost led to relegation.
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The ex-Southampton star was also absent during Tuesday’s friendly penalty victory over Sydney.
However, De Zerbi, 47, reassured the Tottenham faithful that Fernandes is simply “fatigued”.
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The Italian tactician admitted the ex-West Ham star is dealing with a calf issue.
However, the ex-Brighton boss is adamant Fernandes will be back to work next week.
De Zerbi said: “Fernandes is just fatigued, the calf.
“And also for him we took the decision not to take any risk and to recover.
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“But the next week, Wednesday, when we start the pre-season in London, he will be ready to work.”
De Zerbi excited Tottenham fans in the last two pre-season friendlies against MK Dons and Auckland when he fielded an exciting midfield partnership between Fernandes and fellow summer signing Sandro Tonali.
The pair helped their new team win 1-0 against the Dons and 2-0 versus the Australian outfit.
