Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Serge Aurier is “going to be out” against Barcelona after a “small problem” with his groin. The Tottenham right-back was substituted against Leicester City after 78 minutes on Saturday as a result of his injury and was replaced by Kyle Walker-Peters.
With Kieran Trippier also ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash, Pochettino has a selection headache at the back. He said on Aurier’s injury: “Serge is going to have a scan today, he’s going to be out. We think it’s a small problem. We assessed him yesterday but we need to confirm that with the scan. We hope it’s not going to be a big issue and that he’s back as soon as possible.”
Walker-Peters may be in line to start against Barca as a result of Aurier and Trippier being absent – the biggest game of his Tottenham career. The 21-year-old has only made two appearances in all competitions this season – against Leicester (Premier League) on Saturday and West Ham United (EFL Cup) on October 31.
Pochettino does have the option to invert a left-back to play on the right, as Ben Davies and Danny Rose are both available for selection, but Walker-Peter’s recent cameo from the bench might be deemed a good re-introduction to the first-team. It’s a big call from the Tottenham manager, but he does somewhat have his hands tied due to the club’s injury crisis.
Spurs will secure safe passage to the Champions League last-16 with a win over Barcelona. Inter will pip the Londoners to the second qualifying spot if they better Tottenham’s result.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Tottenham man ‘returns to training’ and is ‘available for selection’ ahead of Barca clash