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Pochettino discusses Carter-Vickers’ chances of starting for Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino before the match (REUTERS)
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The highly-rated youngster could fill in for Toby Alderweireld in Tottenham’s trip to Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino before the match

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted via the Hertfordshire Mercury that Cameron Carter-Vickers is unlikely to start Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Bayer Leverkusen.

Regular centre-back Toby Alderweireld will miss the game with an injury picked up in Saturday’s draw against West Bromwich Albion – one which has since been described by Pochettino as ‘not a big issue’.

Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld is down after sustaining a injury

And the Belgian’s absence leaves Eric Dier – his replacement at the Hawthorns – and Carter-Vickers as the front-runners to partner Jan Vertonghen at the BayArena, with the latter often preferred to Kevin Wimmer in his manager’s plans thus far.

Pochettino, however, has hinted via the Hertfordshire Mercury that Alderweireld’s place is likely to go to Dier.

“To be honest, it’s difficult for him but you never know,” the Argentine said when asked about Carter-Vickers’ chances.

He reiterated of Dier, who was one of Tottenham’s star performers last term but has since had his midfield place seized by Victor Wanyama: “We trust him. It’s not important the position he’ll play tomorrow – a defensive midfielder, centre-back or full-back. We believe in him and trust him.”

Tottenham's Dele Alli and Eric Dier look dejected at full time

Despite his undoubted potential, Carter-Vickers’ inclusion in Pochettino’s starting eleven would be a bold move from the 44-year-old.

The English-born United States Under-23 international was previously described by his manager as ‘one of the best defenders in England’ but has played just once for Tottenham’s first team.

Gillingham's Cody McDonald in action with Tottenham's Cameron Carter-Vickers