Ever since Dele Alli suffered a broken hand in Tottenham Hotspur’s first-leg victory over Manchester City in the Champions League last week, Spurs fans have been anxiously tracking the midfielder’s fitness.
Mauricio Pochettino offered few updates on Dele’s progress in a press conference yesterday, yet hinted he will face a critical late fitness test before the second leg.
In comments reported by football.london, Pochettino said Spurs would be assessing the English international.
“We are going to have the last training session and then decide if it is possible to start from the beginning or on the bench,” Pochettino said.
The 23-year-old was included in the match-day squad that will travel to the Etihad, and his presence on the pitch will be vital to Tottenham’s chances of success.
With Spurs already missing star striker Harry Kane, having every possible attacking option available against Manchester City is a priority.
Against Huddersfield, with Alli out injured, Lucas Moura bagged a hat-trick, but the task of facing off against the defending Premier League champions is a different proposition all together — and Spurs must have their best forward options available.
In order for Tottenham to progress into the last four of the Champions League, the integral Dele Alli must play a role against Manchester City, with his fitness test a key flashpoint for nervous Spurs supporters.