Football London report that defender Emerson Royal has returned to Tottenham Hotspur training on Tuesday ahead of this weekend’s clash at Southampton – after the Brazilian sat out the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Royal, 24, has improved in terms of form recently – ironically around the same time as Spurs brought in Pedro Porro. Before the World Cup break, Royal was substituted in the 4-3 win over Leeds – to the sound of cheers from Spurs fans.
But since the turn of the year, the Brazil star has impressed in both games against Manchester City – scoring in one of those outings. He also netted in the 2-0 win over West Ham, producing a superb outing against London rivals Fulham.
Royal came of after 70 minutes in the second leg against Milan in the Champions League, and was then missing in the win over Forest. Porro impressed, getting an assist. Football London say Royal is now back, in training on Tuesday.
Royal returns to Tottenham training on Tuesday ahead of Southampton
So, who starts at right wing-back for Tottenham? Royal has been in better form for longer, while Porro starred in the win over Forest. It is a big decision to make for Antonio Conte. There is no need to rest players for a midweek game.
The international break kicks in after the Southampton clash. So, it is whoever Conte thinks is his best option on the right of the Tottenham system. In terms of who has the higher ceiling, it is probably Porro. But Royal, more trusted.
Given Southampton are a weaker side and Royal has only just shaken off an injury, it might be that Porro gets a start, and then Royal replaces him around the hour mark. But an interesting one that shows where Conte thinks both are.
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