Odobert returns, missing players, Richarlison wrestling - 4 things spotted in Tottenham training

Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham players are putting the final touches to their preparations for Thursday's Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar. Spurs have made an excellent start to the newly-formed league phase of the competition and they will be intent on making it three wins from three this week.

It will not be straightforward against AZ, though, despite the Dutch side coming into the game on the back of four successive defeats. AZ are already off the mark in the competition having beaten IF Elfsborg in their opening fixture in September.

As is always the case ahead of European games, the doors are opened for the media to take in the first 15 minutes of training. football.london were present at the club's Enfield base on Wednesday to watch Postecoglou and his coaching team put the players to work.

Here are four things we spotted in the open training session at Hotspur Way:

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Odobert returns

Tottenham have been handed a boost on the injury front going into Thursday's Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar following Wilson Odobert's return to training. The summer signing has not played since coming off in the early stages of September's Carabao Cup win over Coventry City due to a hamstring injury.

Postecoglou mentioned in his injury update ahead of the West Ham game that the Frenchman was on course to make his comeback in training this week. Odobert could potentially step back on the pitch on Thursday if he is in a position to do so.

No Son

Son Heung-min was a notable absentee in the open training session at Hotspur Way. Following a recent spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury picked up in the game against Qarabag, the Tottenham captain made his return in last weekend's home win over West Ham.

The attacker had a huge say on the encounter after having a big hand in Tottenham's third goal of the day before he netted one for himself on the hour mark. His absence could simply be down to Postecoglou managing his fitness after a spell out of action.

The Spurs boss will provide an update on his player when speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon.

Spence missing

Djed Spence was also missing in training ahead of the AZ game. Although the full-back is not eligible to play in Europe after missing out on the team's 25-man squad, he still trains with the squad ahead of their Europa League fixtures.

Postecoglou told football.london after the West Ham game that the reason for the 24-year-old missing out on the squad last weekend was because of a groin strain picked up in training. It appears that he is still struggling with the issue going on the fact he wasn't involved in the team's latest training session.

Richarlison and Sarr wrestling

Richarlison appears to have a new best friend at the club now following Emerson Royal's summer transfer to AC Milan. The Brazilian and Pape Matar Sarr are usually found alongside each other, with various videos on Tottenham's social media accounts documenting this.

The duo once again couldn't be separated in Tottenham training as they lined up to do a running drill with Yves Bissouma. Before the exercise got underway, both Sarr and Richarlison could be seen wrestling each other as they waited for the drill to begin.

Both are very popular members of the Tottenham squad and have clearly struck up a real friendship.

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