Whenever another injury crisis hits Spurs, it doesn’t take long for the playing surface to be dragged into the discussion.

That argument is always there for debate. Even if plenty of Tottenham’s injuries have happened away from home, while others have had little direct connection to the surface.

Still, what goes into keeping the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ready for Premier League football is quite something.

How Tottenham protect the football pitch

Gabriel Faleri, a Brazilian who works for Sheep Tech, the company involved in Tottenham’s pitch logistics, has explained how the whole operation works to ESPN Brazil.

Faleri said he had looked at the numbers since starting work there in 2023.

“Since I joined Tottenham in 2023, I actually did some research into this. On average, the stadium hosts around 35 to 45 events per year, and only about 27 of those are football matches.”

“Tottenham have an entire system designed so that only football matches take place on the football pitch. Events like boxing, NFL games, concerts and anything else use a different surface or floor.”

“Concerts require a specific set-up, while the NFL and other events use another pitch or surface.”

As you may know, Spurs’ natural football pitch is retractable. It can be divided into sections and moved underneath the stands, protecting it while another surface is used inside the stadium.

“So, for example, if you look at the pitch used for Premier League matches, it has a certain structure and level to it. The NFL surface and the surfaces used for other events are flatter.”

“There’s an electronic mechanism, almost like a huge crank system, which allows them to move the football pitch underneath the stands when the stadium is hosting concerts or NFL matches.”

Keeping it alive isn’t cheap

Of course, having that technology is only part of the job. The grass still needs looking after, particularly given the English climate and the demands of elite football.

According to Faleri, Tottenham spend serious money every year just keeping the operation going. He took a deep dive in those.

“Just the artificial lighting used for the grass – the grow lights – costs somewhere around £400,000 to £600,000 per year. Then the undersoil heating costs an estimated £150,000 per year.”

“Replacing the pitch annually costs around £150,000 to £350,000, and then you’ve got fertiliser, water and everything else, which comes to another £50,000 to £80,000 per year.”

“That’s before you even include the external team hired to make the whole operation work. So we can say with some confidence that they’re spending around £1m a year, or more, just on maintaining all of this.”

The stadium itself reportedly cost close to £1bn, so Tottenham clearly built it with this multi-purpose operation in mind.

Timing also matters of course. Faleri says the vast majority of concerts are deliberately kept away from the football season.

“Concerts usually happen in the summer. Most of them take place when the football season isn’t running. There are exceptions, but it’s rare for concerts to happen during the season.”

“At least 90% of them take place outside the football season, usually between May and September, and generally in the summer.”

Why there has to be a limit

One of the most interesting part comes when Faleri talks about how much football a pitch can realistically handle. Tottenham have technology, money and specialist staff. Even with all that, there are physical limits to how quickly grass can recover.

Faleri was presented with the prospect of a stadium hosting around 72 matches in a year. His response was pretty emphatic.

“When you talk about something like 72 matches per year, though, it’s basically impossible.”

“There isn’t a team, a technology or a group of people capable of properly maintaining a pitch under that kind of schedule. You’re talking about 72 fixtures in a year.”

“That basically means Wednesday-Sunday, Wednesday-Sunday, Wednesday-Sunday, over and over again. And that’s before you even take holidays and breaks into account.”

“There simply isn’t enough time for the pitch to recover. There isn’t enough time to carry out mitigation work. And there isn’t enough time for the grass to regenerate, because the wear from people constantly running and walking over it – effectively trampling it – so requires recovery time.”

“If you’re talking about 72 matches there, plus events and concerts, it’s extremely difficult. Even if you’re putting down protective EVA flooring and other materials, it never protects the surface completely.”

In the end, what Faleri’s explanation does show is the amount of work Tottenham put into separating football from everything else happening at their ground.

For a stadium hosting as many different events as Tottenham’s does, protecting those few dozen football matches is quite an operation in itself.

The post “There isn’t enough time” – Tottenham insider explains pitch issues and colossal cost appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Swede has been running short of game time so far this season. At various times, that was the case in the 2025/26 campaign, as he wasn’t scoring consistently.

He has played only two times in the Premier League, with Kai Havertz becoming more of a regular. This has led to Milan exploring a possible deal and there were signs initial contact was made for a move.

Some more clarity about the possible deal is now emerging.

Gunners may not be open

Journalist Carlo Pellegatti spoke about Milan’s hunt for a new striker on his Youtube channel. He addressed the links around the Arsenal player but expressed belief a deal would be very difficult.

He said – via MilanNews: “I don’t believe in the Gyokeres option because they won’t give him to us on loan at all.”

Pellegatti offered the idea of a much more plausible option for the Rossoneri.

“It would mean investing another €70 or €75 million for the striker, I would rule it out. I keep reading and it seems to me that a more plausible option is the loan of Endrick, a Brazilian player. He turned 20 in July 2026, he’s a very talented player, currently playing for Real Madrid where he plays very little.”

More chances might be coming

Arsenal are currently under no pressure to move on from the 28-year-old striker. That will make a possible loan next to impossible, unless the Sweden international asks for a transfer.

That possibility looks remote, especially as Havertz has picked up an injury on international duty. This could hand Gyokeres some more minutes in the next few weeks.

It will change how Milan feel about the deal too. As Pellegatti points out, they don’t need another expensive striker. Goncalo Ramos was signed for a major fee and they should be trusting him.

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On August 31st, the Bundesliga side signed the 19-year-old on loan from Spurs.

The forward and Tottenham had agreed to a deal with Köln well in advance. The latter had to wait until the end of the window because Roberto De Zerbi refused to sanction the move until a new attacker arrived.

Prior to his loan move, he played three matches for Tottenham this season, managing a goal and an assist. Moore assisted on his debut in their 4-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart. He played 209 minutes from three matches so far.

Promise made to Tottenham player 

The north London club had decided to let the attacker go out on loan, after a temporary spell at Rangers last season.

There were several clubs that wanted to sign him prior to an agreement with 1. FC Köln. Their director, Thomas Kessler, had confirmed it earlier this month.

René Wagner was in regular contact with the England U19 international prior to the move.

That’s according to Bild, who states he made a promise to utilise him as a No.10 instead of a right winger. The manager has kept his word by starting him in the same position in the last two matches.

Köln are 13th in the table [18 teams in the Bundesliga] and are three points above the relegation zone. After the international break, they host Borussia Mönchengladbach on October 11th.

The England U19 international at times got in Said El Mala’s [playing on the left wing] way. This meant Köln’s attack mainly came from the left, which Hamburg were able to prevent.

The manager seems to be in a dilemma with Moore. He ‘now has to consider’ whether to break the promise made to the Tottenham Hotspur man for the next tie.

Wagner is considering moving the Spurs owned player to the right wing. He believes this would make his side ‘significantly more unpredictable and dangerous, posing problems for Gladbach’.

Tottenham to keep close watch

The north London club didn’t agree to a purchase clause as they want him back after this season.

Mikey Moore’s contract runs down in 2030 and earlier this month, he said his priority is to play for Spurs.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly be watching his performances for 1. FC Köln closely.

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The centre-back’s development at the German club have seen Arsenal, Real Madrid and other clubs take notice.

He has been a regular since joining the Bundesliga side from 1. FC Nürnberg in February 2025. The defender has played 57 matches and six [521 minutes] are from this season.

The 20-year-old’s development has also seen him make debut for Germany U21 last year.

Arsenal and Real Madrid in mix 

Finn Jeltsch’s performances and potential have made him an attractive target for Juventus and other clubs.

That’s according to Tutto Juve, who mentions both Arsenal and Real Madrid when covering the Serie A side’s interest.

The Old Lady are looking for young players for 2027 and have included the German in their short list.

It won’t be easy for them to secure Jeltsch’s services because the ‘competition is fierce’ as Arsenal and José Mourinho’s side are keen. His valuation is another factor that makes it complicated for the Turin club to sign him.

Rise in valuation 

His value, as per Transfermarkt, was €12m when he joined VfB Stuttgart and now raised to €35m.

On September 11th, Sport Witness covered a report from Italy explaining that Manchester United, the Gunners and Liverpool are monitoring him. The player was valued at well over €35m.

With Mikel Arteta’s side and Real Madrid among the clubs pursuing him, Stuttgart have decided to set a €45m price. This makes it complicated for Juventus to make advances to sign him.

In addition to this, the Italian club’s main threat comes from Real Madrid, who also have the defender on their agenda. For now, the La Liga side didn’t make advances or reached an agreement.

There’s no clarity on what Arsenal plan to do, at least for January. If Finn Jeltsch were to move to the Emirates, he would struggle for regular minutes.

Arteta has the role covered with William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Ezri Konsa and Piero Hincapié. The former two are currently on the sidelines. There’s a possibility of the north London club are used to create a hype, drive up Jeltsch’s price or both.

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The winger last featured for his country in November 2024, while at Chelsea. He was then out for over 18 months for alleged doping before receiving clearance to return in July.

Xabi Alonso left him out of his core plans at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, on deadline day, the Blues let the 25-year-old join Tottenham on loan with an option to buy. He previously played under Roberto De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk and reunited with the coach at Spurs.

The attacker made his debut in the north London club’s goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. He picked up an injury in training, forcing him to spend weeks on the sidelines and miss this international break.

New message to Tottenham man 

Last weekend, Andrea Maldera urged Mykhailo Mudryk to “stay calm” and focus on his recovery. He also revealed about the contact with both the player and the Premier League side.

Ukraine will face Georgia in the UEFA Nations League clash on Monday. Their media has been speaking to the national team manager, and Sport.ua have relayed his comments about the Spurs attacker.

Maldera recently said there’s no winger like the Tottenham Hotspur player. After pointing this out, they now ask whether he still shares the same opinion or changed his mind, and if he plans to call-up Mudryk in November.

“Obviously, it’s always a shame when players are injured and can’t be with us. Every player has their own characteristics and qualities. Mudryk is a brilliant winger; we know all his strengths, he plays well out on the wings,” he said

“I want to talk about the players I have in my squad. I’m happy to have the players I have with me right now. And in the future, when Mykhailo is able to return, he’ll be an important asset for the national team.”

Challenging task at Tottenham 

Mykhailo Mudryk was out of action for long and has only played 16 minutes so far. He needs to regain rhythm and his best shape, but the setback has hindered that process.

This, coupled with Spurs’ poor start to the season, makes it more complicated for him to be a starter under Roberto De Zerbi immediately after he regains full fitness.

In short, the injury makes the Ukraine international’s situation more challenging at Tottenham Hotspur.

The post “It’s a shame when players get injured” – National manager sorry for ‘brilliant’ Tottenham signing appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Athletico Paranaense star has now received a Colombia call-up after taking his tally to 18 league goals in Brazil. He’s the competition’s outright top scorer, three ahead of the second place.

Sport Witness previously revealed Aston Villa and Sunderland were among the Premier League clubs asking questions about Viveros.

Neither moved for him in the summer. But since then, Viveros has kept scoring – a lot. And his first steps into the Colombia squad could now help with something either club would have to consider if they return for him: getting permission to play in England.

Colombia can help open the Premier League door

Local outlet La FM have looked at Viveros’ situation and believe his Colombia breakthrough could be important if Premier League interest returns.

There’s a good reason for that. Foreign players joining English clubs need a Governing Body Endorsement from the FA. There are different routes to getting one, with 15 points enough under the standard points-based system.

International football is one way of collecting those points. The precise reward depends on Colombia’s aggregated FIFA ranking and how much senior international football Viveros plays during the relevant period. Play enough and there’s even an automatic route.

Otherwise, those appearances can contribute towards the 15-point target. So just getting called up doesn’t magically hand Viveros a Premier League work permit.

Actually getting on the pitch for Colombia, though, can make the maths increasingly friendly for Aston Villa, Sunderland or any other English club considering a move.

His club football helps as well. Brazil’s top flight is classified as a Band 2 competition under the current FA system, and regular minutes there can provide a substantial number of points. And Viveros certainly isn’t struggling for those.

18 goals and a call-up

The 26-year-old has scored 18 times in the Brasileirão this season, averaging a goal every 127 minutes. Across all competitions, La FM point out he’s managed 19 goals and four assists in 32 appearances.

Now comes another test. Colombia face Mexico on Saturday before taking on Paraguay and Peru during this international period. There are then two matches against Chile scheduled for November. So Viveros has several opportunities to turn his first call-up into actual senior minutes.

That’s useful on two fronts. International appearances would strengthen his position under the GBE system, while performing for Colombia would hardly hurt his growing reputation either.

Aston Villa and Sunderland already liked what they saw before all of this. Now if either comes knocking again, one of the practical complications surrounding a Premier League move may now be getting a little easier.

The post Update on Exclusive: Aston Villa and Sunderland with better chance of signing player appeared first on Sport Witness.

The 27-year-old only arrived in English football last summer, initially joining Burnley from Benfica. His career has since taken him to Ipswich, and the midfielder sounds very happy with how things have worked out.

England is pushing him physically and technically. His family have settled too. Now Florentino has another target for his season at Ipswich – finally getting into Portugal’s senior squad.

Florentino wants more years in England

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, as relayed by Record, Florentino was asked about his first year in English football and the move to Ipswich.

“It’s been very good. The English league is the best in the world and brings together the best players.”

“I’ve been pushing myself as hard as possible, to the limit, because I always have to be ready. It’s a league where I can see myself playing for more years.”

“My family have adapted well too, which is important for me to feel settled away from the pitch.”

That sounds pretty encouraging for Ipswich. Florentino isn’t treating England as a short adventure before looking elsewhere. He’s enjoying the football, his family are comfortable and he can already picture himself staying in the country for years.

His next ambition is international recognition. The midfielder represented Portugal throughout the youth levels but is still waiting for his first senior appearance. At 27, he’s made changing that one of his targets for this campaign.

“It’s a dream and an objective I have for this season. I’m working as hard as I can to make it happen, but I’m also relaxed because, when the time is right, it will happen.”

A strong season with Ipswich would obviously help his case, even though he’s only played 111 minutes so far this season.

Becoming an enterpreneur

Florentino had another reason to be at the Portugal Football Summit. He has already started thinking about life beyond playing and has created a player representation company.

“This national team project is very good and it’s the perfect time [to visit Portugal]. We have time to rest and I have my player representation company here [at the Portugal Football Summit], so I’m combining the useful with the enjoyable.”

“Our careers are very short, so I created this company with the intention of showing players that we should show more of who we are.”

“When people get to know us and our stories better, they can have a different perspective on football. There are companies here showing football in different ways and that’s very good.”

“The most important thing at the end of all this is that Portuguese football can grow and become better known abroad.”

For now, though, the playing career remains the priority. Florentino clearly feels at home in England and wants to stay there. Ipswich can now give him the platform to chase the other big objective he has set himself – finally getting that Portugal call.

The post “It’s been very good” – Ipswich Town player delighted with England move and wants more appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Argentine arrived right at the end of the transfer window and had some catching up to do. Benfica were already up and running, and Marco Silva had Sudakov ahead of him in the pecking order.

Things are starting to look a little more interesting now. Echeverri showed some promising signs in his first minutes and now has three weeks to work closely with Silva during the international break.

Sudakov, meanwhile, is away with Ukraine. And that has opened a door for the Manchester City youngster.

Echeverri ‘gains ground’ at Benfica

Jornal de Notícias explains that Echeverri is taking advantage of the international break to better understand Silva’s ideas.

The newspaper says his presence in Lisbon gives him an advantage over Sudakov during this period. There’s now a belief Echeverri can “gain ground” and start climbing the pecking order once club football returns.

His Benfica career has been a gradual process so far. The 20-year-old was on the bench against Moreirense before getting his opportunity against Gil Vicente. He came on in that game and helped Benfica find a way through.

That performance left a good impression. JN highlights his energy, ability to carry the ball and talent for causing problems through central areas.

Competitor will ‘feel the pressure’

There were already signs Echeverri could put some pressure on Sudakov. In less than 20 minutes against Moreirense, he created as many chances as the Ukrainian managed over the whole game.

The Manchester City loanee repeatedly slipped short passes into the penalty area and looked keen to make things happen.

Sudakov hasn’t exactly made himself untouchable since then either. He struggled to make much of an impact in the bigger games that followed, including Benfica’s Europa League win over AC Milan and the league defeat to Porto.

Sudakov remains Silva’s first choice there. The suggestion, though, is that Echeverri could soon make that decision a little more difficult.

The newspaper says the Ukrainian will “feel the pressure” from the Manchester City player after these three weeks of extra work.

Exactly what Manchester City will want to see

There’s obviously a long way to go before Echeverri actually takes Sudakov’s place. For Manchester City, though, seeing him push seriously for a starting spot would be encouraging.

His previous loans at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona never really allowed him to settle and establish himself. Benfica could be different.

Echeverri arrived late and started behind everyone else, but his first appearance went well. Now he has a useful little window to make up some of that lost ground.

Benfica have a €21m (£18.2m) option to buy him from Manchester City.

Before anyone starts worrying about that, Echeverri needs to play. Right now, at least, his chances of doing that appear to be moving in the right direction.

The post Manchester City Loan Watch: Things looking up for youngster appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Premier League winners wanted to strengthen their further strengthen their attack in the summer window.

Arsenal had looked at Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez, who only wanted to join Barcelona.

Towards the end of the window, Mikel Arteta and director Andrea Berta reportedly tried to convince the Argentine. The Gunners wanted to offer Gyökeres as part of the deal for the former Manchester City man.

Alvarez stayed at Atlético while Christos Tzolis was the Emirates club’s only attacking signing. They have also sold Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli to Barcelona and Al-Hilal respectively.

Arsenal player on summer speculation 

Viktor Gyökeres scored in Sweden’s latest UEFA Nations League win and after the match, he spoke to SVT Sport.

When asked about the summer exit links: “Of course, there was a lot of speculation. But I had a full pre-season, and it felt good. I was fully focused on Arsenal.”

The Sweden international has a contract until 2030 and is only focusing on Mikel Arteta’s side.

“For me, staying was a given. I’m extremely happy at the club,” Gyökeres explained.

Unhappy with limited role at Arsenal 

Last summer, the north London club signed the Sweden international from Sporting. He finished his debut season with 21 goals and three assists from 51 matches and won the title.

However, Mikel Arteta hasn’t utilised the 28-year-old regularly this season as he played 29 minutes in the Premier League. The coach has favoured Kai Havertz ahead of the Swede.

On his restricted role, he added: “Of course, it’s frustrating, no matter where you are. You always want to be on the pitch and make a contribution, score goals.

“It can be frustrating at times, but I just try to do my best when I get the chance and focus on what I can control.”

“It felt good last season; we won the league and did well in all the other competitions too. Of course, we could have won another title, but winning the Premier League after a 22-year wait is certainly something to be proud of.”

Arteta has favoured Kai Havertz as his No.9, ahead of the Swede, this season. The former Chelsea man has suffered a muscle injury in Germany’s 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on Thursday.

Havertz has withdrawn from the Germany squad. His absence can offer Viktor Gyökeres the opportunity to start regularly for Arsenal, especially after impressing for Sweden.

The post “Of course, it’s frustrating” – Player on situation at Arsenal, exit links and Gunners future appeared first on Sport Witness.

As we covered earlier, he 21-year-old missed out on Jorge Jesus’ first senior squad after the World Cup and remains with Luís Freire’s U21s for this international break.

His status there is very different, though. Fernandes is the captain, he’s the man Portugal put forward to speak for the group, and he’s clearly taking the whole thing very seriously.

Portugal face Bulgaria this afternoon and then Gibraltar on September 30. They couldn’t really be in a better position in European Championship qualifying.

They’re top of Group B with 19 points from seven matches, having won six and drawn one. They’ve scored 28 goals and, quite impressively, still haven’t conceded a single one.

Fernandes wants to make sure that run continues.

Captain Fernandes isn’t getting carried away

Speaking before the Bulgaria game, the Tottenham midfielder showed he’s done his homework on what Portugal can expect.

“Bulgaria will rely a lot on counter-attacks. They’ll end up defending and looking to make use of set pieces,” Fernandes said, according to Record.

“We’re prepared to react when we lose the ball, but the most important thing is to focus on ourselves.”

“We’ve conceded zero goals and scored a lot. We know the quality we have, individually and collectively. Everything is ready for tomorrow.”

Very captain-like. And when the conversation moved towards potentially winning the U21 European Championship, Fernandes wasn’t interested in getting too far ahead.

“Our ambitions for the European Championship are about thinking only about what’s immediately ahead of us.”

“Right now we have this game and we’re going to do a good job.”

There’s a good reason for that caution. Portugal discovered at the last tournament that being defensively excellent doesn’t guarantee much once the knockout games arrive.

“At the last European Championship, we were eliminated having conceded only one goal. The level is high in these tournaments and we can’t take anything for granted along the way.”

O Jogo also pick up on that message on Thursday, highlighting Fernandes’ insistence that Portugal need to go “step by step”. First Bulgaria, then Gibraltar. Anything beyond that can wait.

“The last two years have been incredible”

Fernandes also had something to say about his own development, and that’s probably the most interesting part from a Tottenham perspective.

“The last two years have been incredible for me individually, both on and off the pitch,” he said. “I’m developing more and more.”

So for now, the senior team can wait. There’s Bulgaria this afternoon, Gibraltar on September 30 and a captain’s job to do first.

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