Mauricio Pochettino has been handed an injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final clash, with Jan Vertonghen revealing that he’s “feeling good” and will be 100% ready to face Liverpool.
The Tottenham defender told VTM Nieuws (h/t Evening Standard): “I have fully trained with the squad last week. I feel good, super good. I have a history of ankle injuries, but I was only worried for half an hour – just after the Ajax game.”
“The first assessments were positive – and you have to know that our physios are always very cautious. That gave me confidence. Still you have to wait for the scans, but they confirmed the diagnosis. After three days I got rid of the protective boot and the crutches.”
https://twitter.com/petermstaunton/status/1133038816753782784
Vertonghen suffered two separate injuries during Spurs’ semi-final victory over Ajax which threatened to rule him out of the final on June 1. The 32-year-old picked up a facial injury in the first leg that led to him being substituted after just 39 minutes.
For the second leg clash in Amsterdam, Vertonghen wore a facemask and was spotted on crutches after the game. He left the stadium wearing a protective boot which would have had fans fearing the worse, but it only lasted three days.
His latest update is good news for supporters as Vertonghen should partner Toby Alderweireld at the heart of the defence on Saturday. The Belgian international has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating three goals.
Vertonghen has played in each of Spurs’ last eight Champions League games, keeping four clean sheets for his troubles. He could be key at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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