Tottenham have confirmed that Tanguy Ndombele has ‘returned to training’ and ‘will be assessed’ ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old had been sidelined with a thigh injury, causing him to miss their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United (August 25) and 2-2 draw with Arsenal (September 1), but he appears to have made a full recovery during the international break.
Whether Ndombele is fit enough to go straight into the starting eleven remains to be seen, however. Mauricio Pochettino could look to Moussa Sissoko, Harry Winks and Victor Wanyama in place of the French international. Ndombele has made two appearances since joining Tottenham from Olympiacos Lyonnais, scoring and creating two goals while making two chances and four successful dribbles.
Spurs have endured a poor start to the season and can’t afford to drop more points over the weekend. Pochettino’s men are currently ninth in the Premier League and find themselves seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool – a win on Saturday could see Tottenham move into the top-four. Ndombele could make the matchday squad but Sissoko and Winks may resume their partnership in midfield.