Tottenham’s preparations for the new season have been undermined by a demanding World Cup summer and a long-haul pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. Although Spurs comfortably beat Charlton 5-1 in the Carabao Cup, De Zerbi believes several new signings are still below the required physical level ahead of a more difficult Premier League match against Newcastle.

Jan Paul van Hecke joined for £52m on 18 June, was eliminated from the World Cup on 30 June and then travelled on the club’s tour from 23 July, later admitting he struggled physically for one or two weeks. Marcos Senesi arrived after Argentina’s World Cup final on 19 July, while £92.5m signing Sandro Tonali had a full pre-season but was also judged not fully ready after the 3-0 defeat at Brentford; Tonali and Senesi were left out against Charlton to complete intensive training before Saturday.