Tottenham Rest Porro and Udogie for Everton Over Muscle Concerns
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie were both left out of Tottenham’s matchday squad for Everton’s visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, with minor muscular concerns prompting Roberto De Zerbi to avoid any risk.
Quick facts
- Porro and Udogie started Tottenham’s 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest last weekend.
- Both full-backs were absent from the squad against Everton.
- De Zerbi had flagged muscular problems for each player before the match.
- Archie Gray and Andy Robertson were in focus as Tottenham adjusted their defensive options.
- Summer arrival Matheus Fernandes remains confident Tottenham’s squad can improve under De Zerbi.
De Zerbi had warned on Friday that the pair would be assessed after reporting discomfort. He said Porro had felt a minor muscle issue and stressed that neither defender would be pushed prematurely.
Porro’s workload has been a concern following his World Cup involvement, with De Zerbi acknowledging that the Spaniard’s schedule had made his fitness harder to manage. Tottenham had anticipated a difficult period after the tournament.
Udogie’s situation is being handled with similar caution. The Italy international completed 60 minutes at the City Ground, but his injury record last season has made the club reluctant to expose him to another setback.
Gray and Robertson handed defensive responsibility
Gray faced another test of his versatility after his move from Leeds United. The teenager has already been deployed in several positions, and Everton’s physical wide players presented a demanding assignment.
Robertson, meanwhile, was asked to bring experience down the left side and offer the movement normally supplied by Udogie, including the overlap and his tendency to drift into central areas.
Tottenham’s early failure to win has not shaken Fernandes, the £85m midfielder signed from West Ham after a productive spell in east London. The Portuguese international chose the move despite Manchester United interest, with De Zerbi’s drive a major factor in his decision.
Fernandes believes Tottenham’s established quality can lift his own level. “I think I can become a far better player than I was last season,” he said, pointing to a squad packed with experienced and high-quality players.
What happens next: Tottenham will continue monitoring Porro and Udogie before deciding when the regular full-back pair can return without risking a longer absence.
