Djed Spence Joins Inter Training: Awaiting Debut

Djed Spence has finally stepped onto the grass at Appiano Gentile in Inter colours. Almost a month after his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur, the England international has taken part in his first full outdoor training session – but his wait for a debut at San Siro looks set to continue.

First steps in Nerazzurri training

Club photographers captured Spence working with his new teammates on Thursday, with Italian outlets confirming it was the first time he had trained outside since completing his €35m summer move from North London.

For Inter fans eager to see him in competitive action, the delay has felt long. The explanation is simple enough.

The 26-year-old was granted an extended break following his run to the World Cup semi-finals with England. La Gazzetta dello Sport report that he also returned to Milan carrying a minor physical issue, one that ruled him out of the final stretch of pre-season and forced the club’s staff to handle his workload carefully.

That combination has kept him out of Simone Inzaghi’s matchday plans so far. While fellow England World Cup squad member John Stones has already appeared three times since his own summer switch to San Siro, Spence has had to watch on.

He was at least present on the night. Spence was seen pitchside before the Serie A fixture against AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, dressed in Inter colours but still waiting for his first competitive minute.

Inter take the long view

The calendar offers a tempting opportunity. Inter host Udinese on Monday night in Serie A, giving Spence three more days of work before the next ball is kicked in anger.

Yet the club are not expected to accelerate the process.

According to SportMediaset, Inter’s hierarchy see no reason to rush the full-back back into action after his disrupted summer. The report claims that the home match against Parma on October 10, Inter’s first game after the upcoming international break, has been quietly circled as the most likely window for his debut.

For now, Spence has his boots back on the grass and the San Siro crowd waiting. The final step is still ahead of him.