---
title: "Tottenham could hand £185m duo debuts against MK Dons"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/07/21/tottenham-could-hand-185m-duo-debuts-against-mk-dons/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-07-21T14:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-21T14:00:00Z"
---

# Tottenham could hand £185m duo debuts against MK Dons

**Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes could make their Tottenham Hotspur debuts when Roberto De Zerbi’s side begin pre-season against MK Dons on Wednesday.**

The behind-closed-doors friendly takes place at Hotspur Way at 5pm and will give De Zerbi his first opportunity to assess his rebuilt squad in match conditions.

Fernandes should be ready to feature after completing a full training programme. Tonali joined the group later because of work permit delays, so Tottenham may manage the £100million midfielder’s minutes.

[The Standard reports](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-xi-vs-mk-dons-team-news-predicted-lineup-tonali-fernandes-b1290777.html) that new goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is also available, while several World Cup players remain away.

> Tottenham's pre-season schedule: The seven friendlies confirmed for the men's first team: \
> \
> \* July 22: Tottenham vs MK Dons (behind closed doors), 4pm\
> \* July 26: Tottenham vs Auckland FC, Auckland, 4.30am (BST) \
> \* July 29: Tottenham vs Sydney FC, Sydney, 10.45am (BST) \
> \* August… [pic.twitter.com/V650TvxWip](https://t.co/V650TvxWip)
>
> — Chris Cowlin (@ChrisCowlin) [July 5, 2026](https://x.com/ChrisCowlin/status/2073749306461270107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Tottenham team news against MK Dons

Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi and Djed Spence are not expected to feature following their World Cup involvement.

Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remain some distance from returning after anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are also following individual rehabilitation programmes.

Those absences should create opportunities for Tottenham’s younger players. Mikey Moore has trained with the senior squad after returning from his successful Rangers loan, while Jamie Donley has reportedly impressed De Zerbi.

ReadTottenham previously explained how [Tonali’s work permit delayed the start of his pre-season](https://readtottenham.com/2026/07/12/tonali-work-permit-tottenham-preseason/). The Italy international could now receive his first minutes alongside Fernandes in a new-look midfield.

De Zerbi will make several changes as he prioritises fitness over the result. However, the first selection may provide an early indication of how he plans to use Tottenham’s two record midfield additions.

**Predicted Tottenham XI:** Kinsky; Takai, Phillips, Davies; Udogie; Fernandes, Tonali; Yang, Donley, Tel; Solanke.