Rodrigo Bentancur will be available again when Tottenham travel to Leeds United on Saturday, but Roberto De Zerbi should resist the temptation to put him straight back into his starting XI.

Spurs have found a midfield combination that is working, and there is little reason to disrupt it.

Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have been at the heart of Tottenham’s recent improvement.

The pair started the victories over Coventry, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, with their energy, quality and ability to cover ground giving De Zerbi’s side a platform to play with greater intensity.

The performance at Stamford Bridge was particularly encouraging.

Fernandes and Tonali handled the central areas superbly in a demanding away fixture, helping Spurs control the contest and launch attacks quickly.

They were trusted again against Palace, and De Zerbi was full of praise for Tonali afterwards, describing the Italian’s display as “unbelievable” and “incredible”.

There is a reason the manager has kept faith with the pair. They look comfortable alongside one another, complement each other’s strengths and have brought a real zip to Tottenham’s midfield.

Three consecutive league wins have followed, and while Bentancur’s absence is not the sole explanation for that upturn, the current partnership has certainly earned the right to continue.

That is not to say Bentancur has no role to play. The Uruguay international is an experienced midfielder with plenty of quality, and having him available again will give De Zerbi another useful option during a busy run of fixtures.

But returning from suspension should not guarantee an immediate starting place. Bentancur can be introduced from the bench, offering fresh legs and composure in the second half.

If Spurs are protecting a lead, his experience could be particularly valuable in helping the team manage the closing stages. He can also provide cover if injuries or fatigue begin to affect the midfield.

There is also a wider message worth sending. Starting places should be earned through performances, not handed out because of reputation or seniority.

Tonali and Fernandes have done their jobs exceptionally well over the past three matches, and dropping either now would risk unsettling a partnership that is beginning to flourish.

Leeds away will be a different challenge, and De Zerbi will need his midfield to be aggressive, disciplined and ready for a physical contest. That is all the more reason to stick with what is working.

Bentancur’s return is good news for Tottenham. It should strengthen the squad, not force a change to the starting team.

Keep Tonali and Fernandes together, and make the returning midfielder an impact substitute.