Antonio Conte has revealed three of his nine Covid-hit stars are expected to have returned from isolation in time to be in the squad for Leicester – but are only set for places on the bench, as the head-coach eases them back in gently.
Conte said on Wednesday that his returning players would likely be limited to 10 or 15 minutes, against a Foxes side who will be missing nine players of their own through illness or Covid-19.
Spurs trained with just 16 senior players on Wednesday and Conte is set to include a number of youngsters on the bench.
The Italian hopes the situation could present an opportunity for his fringe players and the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Joe Rodon and Dele Alli will all be hoping to start a League game under Conte for the first time.
If Rodon is picked in the back three, Japhet Tanganga could revert to wing-back ahead of Matt Doherty, although he has not looked entirely comfortable there.
In better news, Giovani Lo Celso is expected to have returned from a knee injury but may not be ready to start the game. His Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero remains Spurs’ only long-term absentee, with a hamstring strain.
Spurs predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Tanganga, Dier, Sanchez; Doherty, Winks, Ndombele, Reguilon; Bergwijn, Dele; Kane.
Where: The King Power Stadium
When: Thursday, December 16, 19.30
TV: BT Sport
Referee: Craig Pawson
Out: Romero (hamstring)
