Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed their 35-man squad for the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia, with several high-profile absentees raising fresh concerns over the progress of long-term injury recoveries ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The squad will travel to the southern hemisphere after beginning preparations with a narrow 1-0 victory over League One side MK Dons at Hotspur Way.
However, a number of key first-team players will remain in London to continue rehabilitation.
Kulusevski and Kudus Miss Out Amid Recovery Setbacks
The biggest talking points from Tottenham’s travelling squad are the omissions of Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus, both of whom remain unavailable despite hopes they would be closer to returning.
Kudus has been sidelined since suffering a serious quadriceps injury during Tottenham’s match against Sunderland in January.
Recent images of the Ghana international training in the gym had fuelled optimism that he was nearing a comeback, but the club has decided he is not yet ready for competitive pre-season action.
Kulusevski’s situation appears even more concerning.
The Sweden international has not featured for Tottenham in 14 months after undergoing surgery on his right patella following an injury sustained shortly before Spurs’ Europa League triumph in May 2025.
Reports suggest he has yet to resume full training, with uncertainty continuing to surround his recovery timeline.
Odobert and Simons Continue Rehabilitation
Kulusevski and Kudus are not the only attacking players remaining behind.
Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons have also been excluded from the touring party as they continue rehabilitation from cruciate knee ligament injuries.
Both players are reportedly still several months away from being considered match-fit, making their absence a precautionary decision as recovery programmes continue at the club’s training centre.
Vicario Ruled Out With Minor Injury
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will also miss the overseas trip after sustaining what Tottenham described as a minor injury during training.
While the issue is not believed to be serious, the coaching staff have opted against taking any risks as preparations for the new season intensify.
New Faces Ready for First Overseas Tour
Despite the injury concerns, Tottenham’s travelling squad includes several high-profile arrivals who are expected to play key roles under head coach Roberto De Zerbi this season.
Big-money midfield additions Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are both included, with Fernandes travelling after impressing by scoring the winning goal against MK Dons.
Defensive recruits Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, along with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, will also experience their first pre-season tour as Tottenham players.
Marcos Senesi is the only notable summer signing absent for non-injury reasons, having been granted additional leave after representing Argentina in the World Cup final.
Robertson Settles In With Dressing Room Banter
Andy Robertson has already become part of the squad’s light-hearted atmosphere before the lengthy journey.
James Maddison shared a playful post on social media featuring the Scottish full-back appearing less than enthusiastic before departure, joking that Robertson “better liven up” if he was going to be his companion during the 26-hour flight to the southern hemisphere.
The exchange offered a glimpse of the team’s positive mood despite the growing list of unavailable players.
Tottenham’s 35-Man Pre-Season Tour Squad
Tottenham’s squad for the tour of New Zealand and Australia includes:
Brandon Austin, Antonin Kinsky, Martin Dubravka, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, Kota Takai, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, James Maddison, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Manor Solomon, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel, Yang Min-Hyeok, Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett, Mason Melia, Damola Ajayi, Jamie Donley, Harry Byrne, Tye Hall, Tyrese Hall, Malachi Hardy, Rio Kyerematen, Reiss Russell-Denny, Dylan Thompson, Tyler Tingey and Luca Williams-Barnett.
Three Matches Await in the Southern Hemisphere
Tottenham will now continue their preparations for the new campaign with three fixtures scheduled across Auckland and Sydney.
While De Zerbi will use the tour to integrate new signings and assess emerging academy prospects, the continued absence of several senior players means the club will be closely monitoring their rehabilitation progress back in London as the start of the Premier League season approaches.
