The defensive duo are both expected to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford, though De Zerbi says there is an “emotional aspect” to consider with Van Hecke after his wife gave birth to twins this week.

Pedro Porro is still out with a hamstring injury sustained during Spurs’ 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa. The 27-year-old travelled to Spain to see a specialist over the international break, but is still not ready to return to action.

Dejan Kulusevski is closing in on a return to action after more than 500 days out injured with a complicated patella injury that has required two separate surgeries.

The Swedish playmaker returned to training after a minor setback and played in an internal 11-a-side friendly at the club’s training ground over the international break.

Spurs will continue to urge caution, but De Zerbi confirmed Kulusevski would travel with the squad in a support capacity in a similar role to the one James Maddison played before he made his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of last season.

On Maddison, De Zerbi admitted that while the England midfielder would be available, he had suffered a minor setback and had not been able to train free from pain at the start of this week.

Mykhailo Mudryk remains a few weeks away from returning from an ankle ligament injury, while Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are still long-term absentees.

: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Marmoush, Tel

: Simons, Odobert, Mudryk, Porro

Time and date: 5.30pm BST on Saturday, October 10

How to watch: Sky Sports