Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing for the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final this week.
In comments reported by Football London, Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that Jan Vertonghen is set to be available for the first-leg of Tottenham’s Champions League semi-final, while Moussa Sissoko could also feature, but Harry Winks is expected to miss out.
Spurs’ biggest game of the season so far is swiftly approaching with Ajax set to visit Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night. But Pochettino’s side already knew that two of their key attacking players will miss the game, with Son Heung-min suspended and Harry Kane working his way back from injury.
And the Spurs boss has confirmed that Winks will likely be joining them on the sidelines, but offered a slightly more optimistic update on Sissoko – who has not featured since coming off in the first-half of their incredible European tie with Manchester City – and Vertonghen, who was missing from the squad that faced West Ham on Saturday.
“Vertonghen for sure, Sissoko, I don’t know we will have to assess tomorrow. I think Harry Winks no,” he said, as reported by Football London, when asked whether they will be available this coming week.
It will be a big boost for Tottenham if Sissoko is also available. Ajax cannot be considered underdogs given that they have knocked out both Real Madrid and Juventus in previous rounds of the competition.
And in both ties, it was Ajax’s stunning performances in the away legs that did the damage, so Spurs will be wary of taking the Eredivisie side lightly on Tuesday, particularly after the Hammers ended their flawless start to life in their new home.
That result may not have done their top four hopes any favours, but perhaps it may help bring the best out of Tottenham against Ajax. They have been reminded of how well they will need to play if they want to ensure that they secure a good result heading into the second-leg.
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