Pochettino delivers injury update on senior Tottenham trio ahead of Gent clash
By Will Butcher
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Jan Vertonghen could return to Tottenham’s squad on Sunday to face Fulham in the FA Cup.
However, he is set to miss Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Belgian side Gent, along with Danny Rose and Erik Lamela who also remain sidelined through injury.
Tottenham’s official Twitter account quoted Pochettino as he gears his side up to face Gent in the Europa League’s Round of 32 first leg at the Ghelamco Arena.
“Jan Vertonghen is very well and maybe Sunday he’ll be ready to make the starting XI or be on the bench,” Pochettino declared.
“”Danny Rose is on plan, he’s very positive, a good reaction after his injury. Erik Lamela is building step by step, positive too. We’re happy with the way they [the injured players] are training.”
Vertonghen has been sidelined after damaging ligaments in his left ankle against West Brom last month, with the Guardian claiming it would take him two months to return to fitness.
However, the Belgium international is set to return to action sooner than expected and could feature against London side Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Former Leeds left-back Rose picked up a knee injury against Sunderland but is in good stead to return before the end of the month, according to the Independent.
Winger Lamela, 24, has been ruled out since the 2-1 EFL Cup loss to Liverpool towards the end of October, as he continues to battle a hip injury but Pochettino is optimistic over his recovery.
But the former Southampton boss will be without all three in Belgium, as he looks to mastermind a victory and take an advantage back to north London with the second leg to be played on February 23.
In other Tottenham news, Charlie Nicholas has predicted Thursday’s clash while criticising this senior player.
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