Last season’s Premier League runners-up are working hard to try and bring players in before August 31

Mauricio Pochettino has backed Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kieran Trippier to embrace the challenge of battling for a starting XI spot if the club bring in another defender between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

The England international suffered an ankle injury during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Juventus at Wembley.

Spurs are still waiting to discover the extent of the problem, but hope it is nothing too serious ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener at Newcastle United.

Yet even if Trippier is out for a while and Tottenham were to bring in another right-back, Pochettino insists it would not see the new man automatically be first choice.

He said: “I think the last two seasons there has been a big challenge between Kieran and Kyle Walker and now if we decide to sign another full-back, for me it is always about the challenge and who deserves to play in every single game.

“When you have a lot of games like we have in the future with the Premier League, Champions League and different cups you need more strength in your squad to try and fight for every single competition.”

Despite an excellent performance against the Old Lady, much of Pochettino’s post-match press conference centred on the lack of signings.

The Argentine was asked about speculation regarding Ross Barkley after Everton manager Ronald Koeman recently confirmed the midfielder needed a new challenge.

But Pochettino wasn’t interested in entertaining reports linking Spurs with the talented England ace.

He added: “We have different targets and I don’t like to speak about players at different clubs and I am so respectful about that.

“We are working hard to try and bring players in, but that (Barkley talk) is a rumour and I am not confirming anything.”

Much has been made about Tottenham’s lack of business this summer whilst other Premier League rivals spend big.

Pochettino again reiterated the club’s desire to make some new additions, but that it was always the plan to take their time.

A lot of teams have seemingly completed their transfer activity already, though Spurs appear happy to play the long game in the hope of getting better value for money.

“We are working and trying to add some players to the squad, but that has not changed,” said Pochettino.

“It was our idea before to try and provide the team with more strength and sign a few players before the end of the transfer window.”