Tottenham confirmed on Thursday that Eric Dier is an injury doubt ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Manchester City, with Mauricio Pochettino also revealing that the midfielder will be given a late fitness test before a decision is made on whether he’ll make the matchday squad.
Pochettino told Football.London: “He has still not joined the team. Maybe tomorrow he can train with the team and then we need to assess whether it is OK for him to be part of the squad.” Dier has been out of action with a hip-flexor injury since early March, missing Spurs’ last three games against Liverpool (March 31), Crystal Palace (April 3) and Huddersfield Town (April 13).
The 25-year-old has struggled with injuries all season, making only 23 appearances in all competitions – only 16 of which have come in the Premier League. His last outing for the Londoners was against Southampton on March 9 – Tottenham lost 2-1 at St Mary’s.
Dier has racked up 1223 minutes of playing time in the top-flight, scored two goals, made 31 clearances, won 28 aerial duels (50%), averaged 53 passes-per-game with 84% accuracy, blocked 11 shots and crosses and averages a tackle (24) or interception (15) every 31 minutes.
Saturday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium is an important game for both sides. City need a win to go top of the table, but a defeat for Spurs could give Chelsea the chance to kick them out of the Champions League places.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Official: Tottenham midfielder could miss Manchester City clash, bad news for Pochettino