De Zerbi Prepares Tottenham Squad for Manchester United Test

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi addressed squad fitness, recent struggles and preparations for the Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford after the international break. He spoke at Hotspur Way before the team returned to league action.

According to Tottenham Hotspur, Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke were available despite international injury concerns. Pedro Porro and Mykhailo Mudryk remained unavailable, while Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert were sidelined with ACL injuries.

De Zerbi said Tottenham needed to respond after a difficult period following the defeat against Aston Villa. The manager said the team had created chances but needed to improve its finishing in decisive moments.

"No, it's difficult. It's very, very tough, especially the first week. Football is part of our real situation in this moment and we have to react, to work through this moment," said Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham manager.

The Italian coach also discussed James Maddison, who returned from a long-term ACL injury but recently experienced a minor hamstring issue. De Zerbi said the midfielder was available but needed consistent training to regain full readiness.

"He is available, but he lost three, four days in the beginning of this week and the end of the last week. Like I said many times, James is a special player for us, as a player for sure but also as a personality," said Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham manager.

De Zerbi added that Conor Gallagher had performed well in recent matches against Liverpool and Aston Villa. He also praised Dejan Kulusevski's recovery work after injury.

"He is working well, tomorrow he comes with us, also Porro. I want all players tomorrow, tonight and tomorrow, but he is working very well. I think he is an example for everyone, Deki Kulusevski," said Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham manager.

Tottenham are also planning additional squad work after the Manchester United fixture, with reports from sports.yahoo.com stating De Zerbi intends to use a training camp in Marbella to help the squad integrate new players.

"It's not a punishment, it's simply to help the team reconnect," said Roberto De Zerbi, according to previous comments referenced by sports.yahoo.com.