Former Birmingham City manager, Alex McLeish believes that Matt Doherty’s unavailability would have hurt Jose Mourinho’s preparation for the all-important clash against Manchester City on Saturday.
The City players could come into the match with renewed belief and desire after Pep Guardiola put pen to paper on a new two-year contract at the Etihad Stadium today.
On paper, the game is the biggest test Jose Mourinho’s side have faced so far this season and some will likely look at the clash as an acid test for Tottenham’s title credentials.
Tottenham learned on Monday that Matt Doherty will be unavailable for the game as he is having to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 (Sky Sports).
This means that Mourinho will likely have to turn to Serge Aurier, who gave away a penalty for a rash challenge on Aguero when Guardiola’s side last visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Reacting to the news of Doherty’s unavailability, McLeish told Football Insider: “He’s been a terrific player the last few years, extremely consistent, a very confident lad, he comes across really well in front of the cameras.
“He knows what it’s all about, Jose brought him in for some of these reasons and mostly for his football prowess, technical ability and defending ability so that’s a sore one.
“That’s what happens though when they’re away – injuries, freak times. Jose will have to find a suitable replacement to keep his momentum going at Tottenham Hotspur.”
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