Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven are both available for Tottenham Hotspur's Spurs Vs Charlton tie in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday evening, giving Roberto De Zerbi more options for the 7.45pm UK kick-off. Van de Ven is named to come on the bench after yet to feature since returning from the World Cup in July, while Porro is back in the frame after returning from his summer duty with Spain on 13 August.
That matters because this is not just another team-news update. In a knockout match, getting two defenders back into the squad can change the shape of the night, even before the first whistle. De Zerbi said Van de Ven comes on the bench and Porro comes on the bench, adding that Solanke is available to play as well.
The wider picture is more mixed. Kudus is not ready yet, and Maddison has a small injury in the shoulder, which leaves a question over whether he can be used against Charlton or whether Tottenham Hotspur will have to manage without him. Xavi Simons, Deki Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined, so the available pool is stronger than it was, but still far from complete.
De Zerbi's update on Tuesday set the tone for Wednesday evening. Tottenham Hotspur now go into Charlton in the Carabao Cup with Porro and Van de Ven back in the squad, Solanke available, and just enough uncertainty elsewhere to keep the selection conversation alive until the team sheet is out.
