Tottenham winners and losers: Omar Marmoush confidence boost as defensive pair suffer injury scares

The extended international break has come as a welcome distraction for Tottenham, given their disastrous start to the season.Meanwhile, those not called up by their countries, or who withdrew through injury, were given a week off before returning to training at Hotspur Way.De Zerbi has bemoaned his side’s lack of fitness this season, so he will no doubt have used the extended break to build his team’s physical robustness as they head into a crucial run of fixtures.That said, the Italian faces an anxious waiting game to see what condition Spurs’ internationals turn up in as they make their way back to England over the course of this week.Here, Standard Sport assessed the winners and losers from the international break…Antonin KinskyGettyWinnersMade his senior international debut for the Czech Republic as they were beaten 3-1 by Spain. An important milestone for the 23-year-old, even if his side were well beaten by the World Cup holders.The veteran full-back made his 100th appearance for Scotland, captaining Sebastien Pocognoli’s side to a 2-0 win over North Macedonia. Robertson is just the second man to reach 100 appearances for Scotland and is closing in on Kenny Dalglish’s all-time record of 102 caps.Scored a hat-trick as France U21s beat Switzerland 7-1 to take his tally for the international break to five goals. Also came off the bench to score the winning goal as France beat Luxembourg 3-2 to seal their spot at the European Under-21 Championship finals next summer. Played a starring role for England’s U19s, scoring in back-to-back games against Norway and the USA. Featured in all four of the Young Lions’ games and received plenty of plaudits for his sublime long-range goal against Norway.Read MoreScored a brace as Egypt ran out 5-0 winners in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan. De Zerbi will hope Marmoush’s first goals of the season can provide a much-needed confidence boost.Captained Portugal’s U21s to qualification for the European Under-21 Championship finals, assisting Goncalo Oliveira from a corner as they beat Gibraltar 4-0.Despite turning down a call-up to play for Ghana, Kudus is arguably the biggest winner from the international break after choosing to focus on his rehabilitation from a serious quad injury.Kudus could feasibly have played over the international break but did not want to risk suffering a setback and instead chose to work with Spurs’ medical team to ensure he is back to his best.Micky van de VenAFP/GettyLosersThe Tottenham captain is expected to be fit, but the innocuous injury potentially leaves De Zerbi with another selection headache.It is unclear how severe the injury is and whether Van Hecke will be fit to face United this weekend.