Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Hugo Lloris picked up an injury ahead of the match with Manchester City.
The Spurs stopper stayed in London instead of returning to the scene of Tottenham's Champions League glory as Paulo Gazzaniga lined up in goal instead.
The Frenchman is hoped to be fit in time for Tuesday's match against Brighton but the knock was too much of a risk to start against the Etihad.
Pochettino said: "He has suffered a small muscle problem. Hopefully it's not a big issue and he can be ready for Tuesday. It would be a risk for him to play today and that's why we decided to leave him in London."
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The 47-year-old Lilywhites boss had earlier noted how he preferred to return home following Wednesday's clash which was also at the Etihad stadium to help aid recovery.
Pochettino said: "No I think when you make the plan you try to be sure you can provide the team with the best quality. I think to stay in Manchester was maybe one option but I think with the quality we have here that it is better to spend time here and sleep here.
"After game it is difficult to sleep and in the time that you fly and arrive and the conditions you have here to assess players, train, treatment, better to prepare for Saturday and it only takes half an hour to fly back to Manchester.
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"When you are in a hotel it is not your home it is not your bed it is difficult to rest and we believe it is better to fly again Friday tomorrow and to have two training sessions here in our training ground"
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