Pochettino admits he has a big problem ahead of Arsenal clash

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino faces a selection dilemma for his side’s north London derby with Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is quoted by London24 as claiming he faces a ‘big problem’ as every one of his players is fit and ready for selection against Arsenal.

Pochettino’s hand has been forced when it comes to picking certain players throughout the campaign so far, with injuries and suspensions limiting his choices, but he is facing a selection dilemma with everyone off the treatment table.

It is a nice problem for the Argentine manager to have but he admits it is making his job of picking the starting line-up for the north London derby a considerably tougher task.

“All the players are available and it’s a big problem for me now,” Pochettino said at his press conference today.

There had been concerns that Nabil Bentaleb, who has been at the African Cup Nations representing Algeria, would be ruled out of the tie, but Pochettino was quick to refute those claims.

“Nabil arrived on Tuesday, the first day of the week for training, and he’s in a very good condition,” he said. “He’s 100 per cent and we have no doubts about his condition. It’s just my decision whether he’s included or not in the squad.”

The news that Bentaleb is fit comes as a huge boost to the squad, as he has become a key player for them this campaign.

Despite only being 20 years old, the central midfielder has proven vital to the side’s success with his energetic displays catching the eye.

Bentaleb is the all-rounder of Spurs’ midfield and he features highly in comparison with his midfield counterparts in every key area.

The academy graduate averages over two interceptions per game, while he also has excellent passing statistics, showing he is useful with or without the ball.

His passion and desire is likely to be crucial in the north London derby, too, and, even though Pochettino has a fully fit squad to choose from, it would be surprising to see the Algerian international left out.