The clock had long struck midnight by the time the squad boarded the plane in Georgia. It's why many players took the opportunity to try to catch some sleep on the two-hour flight to Philly.

Given the late return to the team hotel, there was unsurprisingly no morning training session scheduled by Pochettino and his staff. The players needed the time rest and recharge.

It wasn't until late afternoon that the players reconvened and were back on the bus for training. The heat of the day hadn't diminished despite the sun dipping behind the city centre skyscrapers.

Recovery was the main focus of the session, which started in the gym, and the players were joined by a surprise guest: a dog belonging to one of the staff members at the complex.

It was then out to the training pitches for a jog before the players took part in rondos with the new Nike Flight Premier League ball – it will used during the forthcoming season by all 20 top-flight sides.

There was also the welcome sight of Noni Madueke on the grass as he continues his recovery from a tight hamstring. The winger was the only member of the squad who didn't travel to Atlanta, as confirmed after the draw with Newcastle by our head coach.

'He has a little tightness in his hamstring but it's not a big thing,' said Pochettino on Wednesday. 'It is something that we think can be sorted in the next few days.’

After the workout, it was then back to the hotel for dinner and the players had a little time before heading to their rooms. A double session is planned tomorrow (Saturday). There can be no let up in pre-season.