Tottenham have four players who could miss Sunday’s Premier League meeting with West Ham United – Eric Dier (muscle), Gareth Bale (fitness), Giovani Lo Celso (thigh) and Japhet Tanganga (muscle). Jose Mourinho gave an injury update in Friday’s pre-match press conference and revealed which of the quartet could feature.
What’s the latest on Dier?
The 26-year-old picked up a muscle injury while on international duty and could be left out this weekend. He missed England’s 1-0 defeat to Denmark on Wednesday and may be rested against West Ham too.
Mourinho said: “In relation to everyone coming back well, no. Dier didn’t come back well, and, probably, will not be in the squad for Sunday. He has a muscular problem that may keep him out of this match.”
What’s the latest on Bale?
The 31-year-old has recovered from a knee injury, but he’s short of fitness. Back in mid-September, our medical team predicted Bale would be back in four weeks, so the West Ham clash was earmarked as his potential return date.
Mourinho said: “Gareth being ready to be in the squad is a decision we are going to make (on Saturday). There is still one day to think, to reflect on what is best for the team, what is best for him, and we will arrive at a good conclusion.”
What’s the latest on Lo Celso?
The 24-year-old suffered a thigh injury earlier in October and Mourinho confirmed that he wouldn’t feature against United. Lo Celso missed our 6-1 win over Manchester United on October 4 and both of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers (1-0 win over Ecuador on October 9 and 2-1 win over Bolivia on October 13), so it remains to be seen when he’ll return.
What’s the latest on Tanganga?
The 21-year-old has been struggling with a muscle injury and won’t feature against West Ham. Tanganga has made just one appearance across the board this season, missing all four of our Premier League games.
Good news on Kane front
Mourinho confirmed that Kane will be fit to start against West Ham and Carlo Vinicius will be named on the bench. Kane wasn’t 100% on international duty with England and needed to have his minutes managed by Gareth Southgate.
The 27-year-old’s condition is good ahead of our weekend clash, however, so we’ll have a strong squad to face the Hammers.
Mourinho added: “Harry arrived not injured, he arrived in condition to start the match on Sunday, and that is the most important thing for me. If you want to know, Harry Kane starts and (Carlos) Vinicius will be on the bench on Sunday.”
In other news, Tottenham confirmed the signing of a highly-rated central defender on deadline day