Tottenham attacker Lamela could miss derby with Arsenal
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Tottenham Hotspur's Erik Lamela battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Wembley Stadium (pic: John Walton/PA Images). - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Mauricio Pochettino must decide whether Jan Vertonghen is ready to play back-to-back games so soon after his hamstring injury
Spurs could be without Erik Lamela on Sunday for the first north London derby of the season with Arsenal after he sustained an injury on Wednesday.
The Argentinian suffered a thigh problem during the 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan and is being assessed ahead of the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
After starting in midweek, Lamela may have found himself on the bench against the Gunners anyway, but will still be a big miss if he is out.
Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino will continue to be without a number of key players through injury.
Mousa Dembele and Davinson Sanchez are set to miss the rest of the year with ankle and hamstring problems.
They continue to undergo rehab, but Kieran Trippier is edging closer to a return after a groin injury.
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He will not play against Arsenal, however, so Serge Aurier will get the chance to consolidate the position after a string of solid displays of late.
Victor Wanyama’s injury woes continue, though, as he still struggles with his knee so Spurs’ options in midfield are light again.
Eric Dier is expected to face Tottenham’s arch rivals and could be partnered by Harry Winks, who impressed in the week against Inter Milan.
Further forward Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Heung-min Son should make up the three behind Harry Kane.
In defence, Pochettino has a decision to make over whether Jan Vertonghen starts back-to-back games after a hamstring issue.
The Belgian hadn’t played for two months before starting the 1-0 Group B success over Inter on Wednesday.
Juan Foyth had impressed in Vertonghen’s absence, but the experience of the former Ajax defender could see him get the nod.
On the left side of the back four, Danny Rose’ return to training poses Pochettino with a conundrum, but Ben Davies will most likely start as Spurs seek bragging rights.