Destiny Udogie’s representative Stefano Antonelli asserted that Tottenham Hotspur refused to authorize his client’s participation with Italy’s squad during this international break.

The 20-year-old has been a standout in the Premier League this season. Making his mark for Spurs at left-back, it’s only a matter of time before he secures a regular spot in the Italian national side. Nonetheless, his aspiration to represent his country this week was denied by Tottenham.

Tottenham secured Destiny Udogie from Udinese last year for an initial fee of £15 million (Sky Sports).

Following a loan stint at Stadio Friuli last season, he delivered an impressive campaign. His move to Spurs in the summer has seen him become a pivotal player under Ange Postecoglou in the Premier League.

In addition, Udogie recently made his international debut for Italy and was set to join Luciano Spalletti’s squad for their encounters against North Macedonia and Ukraine in this international break.

Appealing to Spurs to let him represent Italy this week, Udogie was reportedly declined as Tottenham considered it too risky for him to play given a recent knock.

Stefano Antonelli, Udogie’s agent, expressed his views on the situation.

He stated to TMW: “The first to be sorry is Spalletti. Unfortunately, in the match against Sheffield United at home, Destiny had a flexor problem. Tottenham did everything they could to get him back for the Chelsea game, which was also a poor match: he played 60 minutes before being sent off. Afterwards, it was deemed appropriate not to risk it as there would be been a risk of relapse. Destiny, until the last moment, tried to convince the Tottenham staff that the national team was something exceptional for him. He is a 20-year-old who told me, ‘we want to be part of history, to be part of this group in the run-up of the Euros is to be part of history’.”

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham recently suffered significant injury setbacks with James Maddison and Micky van de Ven sustaining injuries that will keep them out of action until next year.

At present, Tottenham need to avoid any further injuries, and given Udogie already carrying a knock, it is imperative to safeguard his fitness as much as possible.

Therefore, it is prudent for Spurs to have declined his request. Udogie will have ample opportunities to represent Italy in the months and years ahead, but the primary goal at present is to ensure his fitness remains intact.