Triple fitness boost for Aston Villa ahead of Premier League opener

Boss Dean Smith expects Anwar El Ghazi, Ezri Konsa and Jed Steer to all be available for the trip to north London.

Neither defender Konsa or goalkeeper Steer travelled to Germany last weekend as Villa completed their pre-season programme with a 3-1 win over RB Leipzig. But both are expected to overcome respective thigh and foot problems in time for Saturday.

Winger El Ghazi did feature against Leipzig but was forced off in the second half following a heavy challenge, for which he required treatment. Yet Smith is confident the 24-year-old will be fine to face Spurs.

El Ghazi is one of 12 summer signings, but Smith is keen to add more before Thursday’s transfer deadline, with a striker the top priority.

“We are still looking,” he said. “We have still got some players we like, though everything has to line up for that to happen.

“I am happy with the squad I have got at the moment, though there are still some areas there you feel you can strengthen.”