Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Serge Aurier will likely be fit to face Crystal Palace on Sunday but admitted that Giovani Lo Celso will not be involved.
Aurier made his return from injury during Tottenham’s 4-0 win over West Brom on Sunday and put in a tidy display.
However, the Ivorian did not make the trip to Craven Cottage on Thursday, with Matt Doherty starting the game and Japhet Tanganga being named on the bench.
Meanwhile, Lo Celso has not featured since Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Leicester City in December.
The Argentine has returned to first-team training but Mourinho stated a few days ago that he wants to ease the midfielder into the team rather than taking a risk by throwing him in straight away.
The Tottenham boss has now admitted that the game against Palace has come too quickly for Lo Celso but said that the former Real Betis man could feature in the Europa League clash against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday.
When asked about Aurier and Lo Celso, Mourinho told Football.London: “Serge, I believe yes. He had that injury then he played the last match until minute 70, 75 when he started feeling his calf again.
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“He doesn’t have an injury, he has just not the best feelings after a muscular injury. I believe he is going to be [ok], I believe, but to be honest, I was so happy with Matt Doherty’s performance [against Fulham].
“For Gio, I don’t think so, I don’t think so for Sunday, but, but there is maybe an opportunity, but I don’t think so. I will believe [more likely] for Europa League on Thursday.”
Spurs Web Opinion
With Zaha now back for Palace, we need Aurier back in the side to help deal with the winger’s threat. If Aurier is not fit enough to start on Sunday, I would not be surprised if Jose decides to play Tanganga over Doherty to help deal with the Palace star.
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