Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed nine players won't be making the trip to Asia ahead of their pre-season showdowns with fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Newcastle United this week.
Big Tests Await in Asia
Thomas Frank’s side face two high-profile tests, starting with the first ever north London derby to be played outside the UK against Arsenal at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Thursday (31 July, 12.30pm UK), followed by a showdown with Newcastle at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium next Sunday (3 August, 12pm UK).
The 29-man travelling squad features key senior players, including summer arrival Mohammed Kudus, alongside several youngsters who have clearly caught Frank’s eye, with Jamie Donley, George Abbott and 16-year-old defender Jun’ai Byfield on the plane to Asia.
However, nine players have not been included in the group. Here’s who’s missing — and why.
The travelling squad for our pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Korea has been confirmed 📋
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 27, 2025
Udogie Concern
Destiny Udogie is perhaps the most surprising omission. The Italian full-back was pulled from the starting XI just before kick-off in Saturday’s 0–0 draw with Luton.
Frank explained: “Destiny felt something in the warm-up, so, again, just a precaution, we just want to be on top of that.”
It’s unclear what the issue is, but Spurs will hope it’s minor, as with Udogie out, Ben Davies is the only recognised left-back in the squad, although Jamie Donley filled in for the draw at Luton.
Further Injury Issues
New signing Kota Takai and winger Manor Solomon also stay behind for treatment. While the club confirmed both will remain at Hotspur Way, no detail has been given on the extent of their respective injuries. Neither has yet featured under Frank, so both will be disappointed to miss out on valuable game time.
Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin also remain at home to continue their rehab from injuries sustained last season. Kulusevski’s return will be vital, especially with James Maddison only just back in training and the collapsed Morgan Gibbs-White deal leaving Spurs light in attacking midfield.
Dragusin is still recovering from a serious knee injury picked up in January and is likely to miss the start of the season.
Bryan Gil is also absent. The winger hasn’t featured in pre-season and is expected to leave the club, with Spurs confirming he’s “continuing rehabilitation” alongside Kulusevski and Dragusin.
Loan Talks for Three Young Talents
Tottenham have also granted permission for three young players to stay in the UK and explore loan moves: striker Dane Scarlett, winger Mikey Moore, and midfielder Alfie Devine.
Moore, 17, is perhaps the most surprising exclusion. He made 19 appearances for the first team last season and has been linked with a loan to further his development.
#Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore is keen for a loan move this season to ensure he gets regular football for his development.
— Tottenham Tiers (@TottenhamTiers) July 25, 2025
Moore's camp have been pushing for a loan move for the youngster during contract talks with Spurs, with a number of clubs both in England and abroad keen.… pic.twitter.com/LdO36TX79S
Scarlett and Devine have both had recent spells in the EFL and Belgium respectively, and it’s clear Frank does not see them as core members of his 2025/26 plans.
Opportunity Knocks
With nine players missing, the door is open for others to step up across two tough tests in Asia. Spurs fans will get a closer look at both familar faces and rising stars as Frank uses the tour to shape his squad ahead of a pivotal 2025/26 campaign.
