Mauricio Pochettino is sweating on the fitness of Danny Rose for Tottenham’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
The left-back picked up a shin wound injury in the win over Leicester last weekend, further complicating Pochettino’s options for the first leg at Wembley on Wednesday night.
Spurs have detailed their doubts for the last 16 tie, with Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Ben Davies all still continuing their rehabilitation, but there is better news regarding Eric Dier and Erik Lamela.
A statement regarding Danny Rose’s “shin wound” said the player “sustained the injury against Leicester City and will be assessed ahead of tomorrow’s match.”
Dier and Lamela “have returned to training with the squad” to provide more options for Spurs.
While a miracle return for Kane (or Alli and Davies) appears unlikely as “all three players are continuing rehabilitation.”
Whilst Vincent Janssen is unavailable for selection as he is ineligible for the Champions League.
“It’s different: a different year, season and momentum,” said Pochettino ahead of the game. “The period is completely different. Of course, we believe and we have an amazing motivation to play because it’s the last 16 of the Champions League.
“Everyone wants to play, everyone is excited but we’re not thinking about last year. We just need to be ready to compete in our best way.
“I don’t believe that. We’re playing a year later and experience is not important. The most important thing is the level we show tomorrow, the way we are today and the way we approach the game.
“If we’re capable of being better than the opponent and deserve to win, we’ll go through. But experience is nothing if you’re not better than your opponent.”
