Mauricio Pochettino has explained his decisions this week at Tottenham when it came to Moussa Sissoko and Fernando Llorente.
Sissoko has returned, quicker than expected, from his groin injury and was named among the substitutes, although a horrific-looking head injury to Jan Vertonghen brought the Frenchman into the action earlier than he might have expected.
"Of course, Sissoko is on the bench and available, maybe, to play from the beginning. I think it’s good for the recovery of some players because we struggled a little bit in the last few weeks but to have more options is always important," said Pochettino.
"I think he is a very important player for us. He’s doing a fantastic job. It’s a little bit unlucky that he got injured against Manchester City but it wasn't a big issue and it’s good to have him on the bench."
Llorente got the nod up front after starting on the bench against the Hammers.
"I think the way that we plan to play, it’s important to have a player like him in front. Of course, he has a lot of experience because he’s played a lot of games, a lot of international games, and he can provide the team with experience.
"But I think we believe in the gameplan and he can be important for the team."
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