Tottenham youngster Juan Foyth is likely to start against Rochdale on Wednesday night.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Juan Foyth is expected to start against League One side Rochdale as the two sides do battle for a second time – but the Argentinian will have added motivation going into Wednesday night’s clash.
Jan Vertonghen suffered an ankle injury prior to Sunday afternoon’s match as Spurs earned a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, compounding Spurs’ defensive problems at the back.
The Belgian’s injury leaves Mauricio Pochettino down to his bare bones at centre-back, with Toby Alderweireld suffering a setback in his fight to regain fitness ahead of Spurs’ Champions League second leg against Juventus.
Pochettino has just Foyth, Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier to choose from, with the latter much preferred in midfield this season. But with Spurs suffering an injury crisis, he is likely to drop in at the back.
Spurs face Rochdale in a replay on Wednesday night after drawing 2-2 with them earlier this month, and Foyth is likely to start. However, he will be expected to revert to the bench next weekend, when Spurs play Huddersfield.
Foyth, 20, is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Spurs and that is likely to see him overlooked for Dier and Sanchez against Huddersfield. But Foyth – who cost £10million according to the Evening Standard – should not resign himself to that likelihood.
The summer signing should look to display an inch-perfect masterclass against Rochdale this week and convince Pochettino that he is more than capable of starring at the back in the Premier League in place of the injured duo.
Keeping possession, showing aerial prowess and most importantly proving pivotal in a clean sheet against Rochdale will be key to doing just that. A top-class performance could see him start against Huddersfield.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
