Tottenham to play Vertonghen at left-back again?
Tottenham Hotspur's Jan Vertonghen (centre) celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, first leg match at Wembley Stadium (pic: John Walton/PA Images). - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Spurs are likely to be without Danny Rose at Turf Moor while Ben Davies has only just returned to training
Jan Vertonghen could continue in his role on the left side of defence when Tottenham Hotspur do battle with Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League.
The Belgian produced a spectacular display during the 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund last Wednesday at Wembley Stadium in the Champions League round of 16 first leg tie.
With Danny Rose and Ben Davies unavailable, Mauricio Pochettino played four centre backs and used Vertonghen as a left wing-back.
Although the former Ajax man has played as a full-back before, most notably for the Red Devils, he has rarely been used further up the pitch.
Vertonghen shone, however, and claimed an assist and a goal in a fine man of the match against the Black and Yellows.
It seems he will start out on the left again at Burnley, though Spurs may go with a 4-2-3-1 formation this time.
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Davies has returned to training after a groin injury, but he may have to settle for a place on the bench at Turf Moor.
Rose, meanwhile, has now been struck by an illness and could miss the Lancashire trip completely as his stop-start season continues.
There is better news elsewhere for Spurs, who should have Harry Kane available to call upon in the lunchtime kick-off.
Kane returned to training after ankle ligament damage this week, but Mauricio Pochettino will make a final decision on his fitness on Friday.
It seems likely, at the very least, the England captain will be among the replacements for a tricky encounter with Sean Dyche’s men.
Dele Alli will definitely be unavailable though, yet he continues to make good progress on his way back from a hamstring problem.
He is expected to be available again at the beginning of March and will hope to feature in Tottenham’s round of 16 second leg tie away to Dortmund in two weeks time.
