Tottenham Hotspur began pre season on Monday with the first day of training taking place at the clubs stunning Hotspur Way Training base.
A few of the non-internationals participated, and this included the likes of Victor Wanyama, Harry Winks and Erik Lamela. The club will have to alter their plans as 9 players are still involved at the World Cup, so will therefore have a delayed preseason.
The club will contest in the International Champions Cup, but won’t be at full strength.
A number of players returned to training today, a week later than previous campaigns. It was revealed via the club’s official Twitter page that Paulo Gazzaniga, Michel Vorm, Moussa Sissoko and Serge Aurier all took part.
Other players included Wanyama, Winks, Lamela and Ben Davies. Fernando Llorente, Josh Onomah, Lucas Moura and Juan Foyth also returned as they search for regular first team football and a chance to impress the boss.
World Cup delight for some has forced the club to change preseason plans.
The club has 9 players who are still involved in the World Cup, with the competition set to conclude on Sunday afternoon. Hugo Lloris is still with France, and the French beat Belgium to a spot in the final. Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele all represented the Red Devils and are on route home.
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England of course, have Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli and Danny Rose still in Russia. Therefore, implementing these players into the club’s preseason plans will be problematic. This is because a resting period must be prioritised before they can return to training. Christian Eriksen and Davinson Sanchez are set to return soon, but have only just been knocked out of the tournament.
Heung Min Son, who was involved in the historic German World Cup exit, will also have a disjointed preseason. The Korean international is set to feature in the 2018 Asia Games, and will miss the first month of the season.
The beginning of pre season has started the gruelling process of fitness-minded training, as players look to get back to full speed ahead of competitive football.
The club begin their International Champions Cup campaign in just over two weeks. They play European giants Roma, Ac Milan and Barcelona in quick succession. Mauricio Pochettino will then travel to Italy to face Girona, before a visit to St James Park.
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Spurs have also been unable to improve their squad in the transfer market, and have only a month left to work on improving key areas. Recent rumours have explored the possibility of a few transfers, including Malcom from Bordeaux.
The lack of signings could present opportunities to fringe players. But, acquisitions must be made before it is too late. The new stadium must act as an essential selling point.