Dele Alli will continue to take part in training until the end of the season, even though he cannot play for Tottenham, to maintain his fitness ahead of this summer’s Euro 2016 Championship.

Alli appeared to punch West Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob in the stomach during Monday’s 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane, and he has since been charged with violent conduct and given a three-match ban.

Since Spurs only have three games left, that has ended Alli’s club campaign – but the 20-year-old is expected to be selected in the England squad for the upcoming European Championship in France, and Pochettino intends to keep him fit.

“It’s very important that he keeps his performance, all the levels of physical condition, because if he will be selected for the Euros he needs to keep his levels,” said the head coach. “In the next few weeks he cannot play but he needs to work maybe a little bit more to keep his physical condition.

“The players can make mistakes, like everyone, and it’s true it was an action that nobody feels proud about that - but it’s only a mistake. It’s one mistake, a small mistake. It’s sure he’s paid for that and that he’s learned about that.

“There are many reasons why something like this happens on the pitch, but there’s nothing to say. He has a very strong character and personality. That’s why he’s one of the best players in England and we cannot change him, but he made a mistake and everyone can make mistakes.

“It’s difficult to judge but it’s true that when you make a mistake you need to pay, and he knows he made a mistake. It’s his first season in the Premier League, he’s very young, he’s a talented player – he knows.

“We have different options [to replace him]. We have good players, we can change the system. We are assessing the team and who deserves to play will play.”

Eric Dier, who was concussed during Monday’s game against the Baggies, will be assessed in Sunday’s final training session as Tottenham prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, while Nabil Bentaleb is still out of action with a knee injury.

Follow me on Twitter @BenPearceSpurs