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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Why Hugo Lloris missed Tottenham's Premier League clash with Man City

Eyebrows were raised when the team sheets revealed that Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris would not be participating in the huge Premier League clash against Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime.

The Frenchman played a big part in Tottenham's progression past City in the Champions League, saving a Sergio Aguero penalty in the first leg and making a number of good saves, most notably from Kevin De Bruyne, at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

But the World Cup winner was absent from the Spurs squad on Saturday lunchtime.

Prior to kickoff, Mauricio Pochettino revealed he was not willing to risk the goalkeeper due to a small muscle problem.

Lloris' absence was the big surprise when the team news came out (PA)

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Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, 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."

Spurs fans will no doubt be hoping their regular number one can make a speedy recovery with a hugely important end of the season coming up.

Tottenham are battling with Arsenal , Chelsea and Manchester United for one of two Champions League qualifying spots, while they also have the small matter of their Champions League semi-final against Ajax.

Reserve keeper Paulo Gazzaniga deputised for Lloris (Action Images via Reuters)

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Lloris has had an up-and-down season, making crucial penalty saves against the likes of City and Arsenal but also making errors against Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven.

He was also charged with drink driving at the start of the campaign and was fined £50,000 and banned from driving for 20 months.

Lloris has been at the north London club since 2012, when he signed from Lyon for a fee of around €10m. Since then he has been an ever-present, making 286 appearances in all competitions.

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