Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has explained his team selection for the Premier League trip to face Aston Villa, where Spurs return from their winter break.
A number of changes for the fixture, with Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Steven Bergwijn named in the starting line-up, while Giovani Lo Celso takes a spot on the bench.
Erik Lamela remains unavailable due to injury but is expected to be available for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 showdown against RB Leipzig.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mourinho explained the reasons behind his Spurs team selection and provided an update on Lamela's fitness.
"We have Davies back [after the break]. Lo Celso is not ready to start the game but is ready to help. Bergwijn couldn't play in the cup but no problem from now. We have more options," he told Sky Sports.
"It was a great chance for other guys to play at left-back. I cannot complain with what they did. But Ben is an experienced player and a proper left-back. I think we need him and we need options.
"We have more options than before. We have a very difficult period with three different competitions. Hopefully next week we have Lamela back."
