Spurs will be without Harry Winks for the Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was dealt a big blow ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Manchester City with midfielder Harry Winks not recovering from his groin injury in time to feature in the match.

Spurs’ academy graduate played a key role in the 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s men last Tuesday in N17.

While Heung-min Son took the plaudits, Winks’ composure in the middle of the pitch enabled Tottenham to keep the ball from City and restrict their usual wave of attacks.

However, days after the victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the 23-year-old felt an issue with his groin in training and missed Saturday’s 4-0 success over Huddersfield Town in the Premier League as a result.

Speaking post-match, Pochettino told this title he was “optimistic” Winks would be fit to face City, but the midfielder has stayed at Hotspur Way to continue rehabilitation.

Joining Winks back at the club’s training ground is Serge Aurier (hamstring) and Eric Dier (hip flexor), who both remain unavailable for Spurs in this crucial tie.

There is better news elsewhere though, with Dele Alli taking part in full training on Tuesday evening in Manchester despite breaking his hand in the first leg.

Pochettino will now have to make a decision on whether the England international can start or if he is restricted to a spot on the bench.

Also back and in contention again is Erik Lamela after a recent hamstring injury and after a frustrating few weeks, the Argentinian will hope to have a role to play during the quarter-final second leg at the Etihad.

Tottenham forward Harry Kane is a long-term absentee after suffering ankle ligament damage again, but the club are still yet to put a timescale on his recovery.

Spurs made a number of changes for the win over Huddersfield and the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose and Heung-min Son are expected to start this huge clash against Man City.

Given Winks’ injury, Victor Wanyama will hope to retain his place in the starting XI as the Lilywhites look to reach the semi-finals of the European cup for the first time since 1962.

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