Djed Spence Joins Inter Training Ahead of Debut
Djed Spence finally stepped onto the training pitch in Inter colours this week, almost a month after his high-profile move from Tottenham Hotspur – but his San Siro debut still looks set to wait.
The England international was photographed working with the squad on Thursday, with Italian outlets confirming it was his first full session “on the grass” since joining the Nerazzurri in a €35m summer transfer. Until now, all his work had been confined to the gym and indoor recovery.
Spence, 26, arrived in Milan off the back of a draining summer, having gone all the way to the World Cup semi-finals with England. La Gazzetta dello Sport report that he also returned with a minor physical problem, one that cost him the closing stages of pre-season and delayed his integration into Simone Inzaghi’s plans.
That context helps explain the contrast with another England World Cup squad member in the Inter dressing room. John Stones, who also signed earlier in the summer, has already played three times at San Siro. Spence, by comparison, has yet to kick a competitive ball for his new club.
He has at least reappeared on the touchline. Spence was seen before the Serie A clash with AC Monza at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, but only as a spectator in full Inter kit, still waiting for the signal to get going.
Inter host Udinese on Monday night, giving Spence three more days of training to build rhythm. On paper, it looks like the first realistic chance for a debut. On the ground, the mood is different.
SportMediaset report that Inter’s hierarchy are refusing to rush the full-back back into action. The club view his signing as a long-term investment and prefer to give him a proper physical base rather than chase a quick cameo in front of impatient home fans.
The plan, according to those same reports, is clear: circle October 10. Inter’s first match after the international break, at home to Parma, is the date pencilled in as the ideal stage for Spence’s first competitive minutes in Nerazzurri colours.
For now, the wait goes on. The boots are finally on the grass. The roar of San Siro will have to follow.
