One of the oddest names missing from Tottenham Hotspur’s roster that it is taking to Oslo, Norway for Friday’s friendly against Inter Milan was Victor Wanyama. The Kenyan defensive midfielder, one of two new signings Spurs have made in the offseason, played in both friendly matches in Australia last week and looked to be meshing well with the squad.
So his omission caused a little bit of consternation. Was he injured? Did he need a rest after the Australia trip? Did someone tell him spaghetti is trash and he stayed home out of spite?
Nope, turns out it’s all due to a visa issue.
Really sad I couldn't make it to Oslo. Was looking forward to playing Inter, unfortunately my visa didn't get processed in time
— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) August 4, 2016
It’s too bad. This would’ve been the only time Spurs fans would have to see a hyopthetical midfield combination of Wanyama and Eric Dier in the pivot before Spurs travel to Everton to open the Premier League season next Saturday.
Wanyama may be out, but Mousa Dembele is traveling with the squad. He’s suspended for the first four matches of the season for his... uh, “altercation” with Diego Costa in last spring’s Battle of The Bridge, but I’d expect him to get some time against Inter. Think of it as an “appetizer” for when he returns in September.
Alternately, we may see some combination of Ryan Mason, Tom Carroll, and Harry Winks slot into one or both pivot positions at some point in the match.