Tottenham are preparing for Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Marseille and teenage midfielder Matthew Craig was spotted in training at Hotspur Way on Monday – ahead of what is a pivotal match for Spurs.
Tottenham have got to secure at least a point in France against a Marseille side that has strong Arsenal connections. Matteo Guendouzi, Alexis Sanchez, Nuno Tavares and Sead Kolasinac are all in Igor Tudor’s side.
Spurs remain top of their group and could still qualify without a win, if results go their way. But a point will do the job, and a win will see them secure the top spot. Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison were missing.
London-born Scotland Under-21 international Craig, 19, has been a regular for the second string. This season, he has even captained Tottenham’s Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League. He remains a regular for the reserves.
But Craig is yet to make his senior debut for Spurs. Perhaps, then, a surprise to see him included in the Tottenham side. Football Daily posted a video published on Sky Sports News. Craig can be seen warming up on 16 seconds.
Craig spotted in Tottenham training at Hotspur Way on Monday
Tottenham have numerous options in the middle of the park. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur are likely to start, with Antonio Conte set to be in the stands. Assistant Cristian Stiellini will be taking the press conference.
Spurs have numerous options behind the starting two players. Oliver Skipp, Yves Bissouma and even Harvey White would surely come into the team above Craig. But it will be a boost for the young Spurs star to be in senior training.
It might be that Craig does at least make the bench. Tottenham, and other Champions League clubs, are able to name 12 substitutes in the competition. With Romero, Kulusevski and Richarlison missing, Craig could be included.
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