Antonio Conte has told Friday’s press conference – as per Football London – that Tottenham duo Ivan Perisic and Emerson Royal could be missing from Saturday’s squad to take on Nottingham Forest at the Tottenham Stadium.
The pressure is on the Italian gaffer after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup and then the Champions League in the space of seven days. Now, the only focus – once again – is the race for the fourth spot in the Premier League.
Spurs currently sit in fourth. But Liverpool, Newcastle and Brighton are all breathing down their necks. Chelsea have the talent to kick into gear and break into the reckoning. Focus quickly switches to Saturday. Spurs face Forest.
A game they should win having beaten Forest 2-0 away from home earlier this season in the League. But of course, losing to Steve Cooper’s improving side in the League Cup. Spurs already have a number of injury problems.
Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Hugo Lloris and Ryan Sessegnon are out. Now, Conte says that Royal and Perisic could miss the clash against Forest – with both players suffering a couple of minor issues against Milan.
“Emerson didn’t train today because he had a kick. Tomorrow we’ll try him, see if he’s available at least for the bench. Another situation we have to monitor is Perisic. He trained today but tomorrow I have to speak to him.”
Conte: Tottenham duo Perisic and Royal could miss Forest
So, how will Spurs line-up if they are forced to play without Perisic and Royal? On the right, it is an easy switch to make. In comes new signing Pedro Porro. He impressed when coming off the bench on Wednesday, against Milan.
On the left, slightly more complicated. With Sessegnon injured, Perisic could now be missing. So, it is likely that Ben Davies is used as a wing-back. That sees Clement Lenglet play on the left of a back three, Eric Dier in the middle.
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