Journalist reveals surprising update on progress of Tottenham starter v Real Madrid

Wed 18 October 2017 6:00, UK

By Russell Edge

Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente is yet to reach full fitness after his injury layoff over the summer, according to a reliable journalist.

Alasdair Gold, football.london’s Tottenham reporter, claimed in a live question and answer (11:05) held on the website that the Spanish striker has not fully recovered from the broken arm which caused him to miss pre-season.

The injury was suffered while he was still a Swansea player, but has obviously affected his preparations for his new club, as he was absent for the club’s opening three fixtures of the new campaign.

The news may well come as a surprise to fans considering Spurs have already played 12 games this season, with the 32-year-old having appeared in half of those.

His first start came in the League Cup clash with Barnsley, and despite his apparent lack of fitness Mauricio Pochettino handed him his second in the club’s Champions League tie away to Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Llorente is still yet to find the back of the net for Spurs, with striking counterpart Harry Kane having continued his fine goal scoring form with 11 goals in 10 games.

Llorente made the move from Swansea to north London after scoring 15 goals in 35 appearances for the Swans, which also saw Tottenham’s rivals Chelsea interested in securing his services over the summer.