After coming off the bench in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Fulham, Eric Dier should be in line to start for Tottenham against Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg on January 24. Dele Alli picked up an injury over the weekend and is the fifth player out of action for Mauricio Pochettino – Harry Kane (ankle), Moussa Sissoko (groin), Lucas Moura (knee), Victor Wanyama (knee). Mousa Dembele’s move to Guangzhou R&F added to Spurs’ dearth in midfield.
Dier could be a solution to Pochettino’s problem after returning from appendicitis. He was introduced against Fulham in the 79th minute and made 14 touches, 12 passes (91.7% completed) and one interception. He’ll be somewhat short of match fitness ahead of Thursday’s League Cup clash but Pochettino has no other option.
With Alli, Sissoko and Wanyama expected to miss the Chelsea meeting, Harry Winks, Christian Eriksen and Dier could make up the midfield. Despite Tottenham’s injury crisis, they’ve still picked up four wins from their last five games in all competitions. In 2019, Spurs have beaten Cardiff City (Premier League), Tranmere (FA Cup), Chelsea (EFL semi-final first leg) and Fulham (Premier League). Having Dier back in the team is a major boost.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Tottenham shouldn’t sign Italian international as backup for Harry Kane