Tottenham Hotspur must reportedly make do without new signing Wilson Odobert for their Premier League opener with Leicester City on Monday night as he awaits a work permit.
In one of the most unexpected transfers of the summer, Tottenham announced the signing of the France youth international from Burnley last week, paying around £25m for his signature.
There was little prior warning that Odobert was to join Ange Postecoglou's ranks, with news of an imminent deal only breaking a couple of hours before his arrival was confirmed.
However, according to the Evening Standard, the winger will not be able to feature against Leicester at the King Power Stadium, as he still had not received a necessary work permit by Monday morning.
Despite moving to England last year, when Burnley signed him from Troyes, Odobert's switch to Tottenham means that he requires a new work permit, although it should not take too long for his documentation to be sorted out.
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Odobert made to wait for Tottenham debut
As a result, the 19-year-old attacker could instead target a debut in Tottenham's first home match of the season, which comes at home to Everton on Saturday, August 24.
While Odobert will not be making his competitive debut for Tottenham just yet, three of Postecoglou's other summer signings - Dominic Solanke, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall - are expected to be involved.
Solanke - who joined in a record £65m deal from Bournemouth - should be given the nod in the number nine slot for the Lilywhites, as Richarlison spent the whole of pre-season working his way back from a calf problem.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool youngster will be bidding to become the first Tottenham player in over four years to score on their Premier League debut, last achieved by Steven Bergwijn against Manchester City in 2020.
However, any debuts for Gray - capable of playing as a right-back, centre-back or central midfielder - or Bergvall are likely to come from the bench, in spite of the fact that both youngsters caught the eye in pre-season.
Will Oliver Skipp play against Tottenham?
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Gray and Bergvall's arrivals meant that Tottenham academy graduate Oliver Skipp became surplus to requirements in North London, and the Englishman is on the cusp of joining Leicester for a fee in excess of £20m.
Skipp is already believed to have completed his medical with Steve Cooper's side, and an announcement could very well arrive before this evening's match, but the report adds that he will not be involved against his former team.
However, one erstwhile Tottenham midfielder - Harry Winks - is expected to start Monday's Premier League opener, as Leicester attempt to emulate their 4-1 victory over Spurs from their last meeting in February 2023.
Postecoglou will not be counting on Yves Bissouma for the King Power showdown, though, as the Mali international has been handed an internal suspension for filming himself inhaling laughing gas.
Ben Knapton
