Neither Jan Paul van Hecke nor Andy Robertson were involved in Tottenham’s pre-season defeat of Auckland FC in the small hours of Sunday morning, extending the wait for either man to make his debut for the club.
Right-back Robertson, previously of Liverpool, signed as a free agent before Scotland’s World Cup campaign got underway, while the deal to pry Van Hecke away from Brighton was confirmed during the tournament.
It has been a big-spending summer for Tottenham, who have invested over £200m in total, bringing in the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to overhaul the midfield.
Roberto De Zerbi has kept his cards close to his chest so far this summer, deciding against giving any senior players an extended run-out as Spurs eased to a 2-0 defeat of A-League champions Auckland FC on Sunday.
That was primarily in a bid to avoid injuries to key players, though, following a 30-hour flight halfway around the world.
His decision, though, means Van Hecke and Robertson have now been made to watch two pre-season friendlies from the touchlines as they wait for their first minutes in Spurs colours.
When can Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson make their Tottenham debuts?
The next opportunity for Van Hecke and Robertson to play their first minutes in Tottenham colours will come on Wednesday.
Tottenham are due to face Sydney FC at 10.45am BST on July 29, by which time De Zerbi will hope to have all of his signings fit and available.
Failing that, Van Hecke and Robertson will hope to debut against Chelsea on Saturday, August 1, a match which also kicks off at 10.45am for UK viewers.
