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Tottenham team news: Predicted Spurs line up vs Cardiff – FIVE stars ruled out
TOTTENHAM have a stack of injuries to contend with ahead of their game against Cardiff this weekend.
Tottenham will face Cardiff at Wembley under a mounting injury crisis, with five stars set to miss the game on Saturday afternoon.
Spurs fought hard against Barcelona on Wednesday night but were toppled 4-2 thanks to a masterclass from Lionel Messi.
Mauricio Pochettino's side performed well despite having several first-team stars missing, though none of the absentees are expected to return this weekend.
Dele Alli and Jan Vertonghen will be two of the biggest misses for Tottenham as both stars are recovering from hamstring issues.
Christian Eriksen is another key player set to miss the visit of Cardiff with a thigh injury keeping him on the sidelines.
Mousa Dembele and Serge Aurier are also out with thigh problems and are not expected to return this weekend.
Pochettino will hope that his injured stars can use the upcoming international break to fully recover and return to the side at 100 per cent.
Hugo Lloris made his comeback from injury against Barcelona but was among the weakest performers on the night.
The Frenchman came rushing off his goal-line in the opening minutes of the game and Philippe Coutinho was left with the task of slotting into an empty net.
He nearly committed a similar error in the second half after rushing out of his box to clear a ball that Toby Alderweireld appeared to have under control.
Still, despite the return to fitness of back-up stopper Michel Vorm and Paulo Gazzaniga's form during his absence, Lloris will remain the No 1 choice.
Eric Dier will return to the starting XI after being benched for the Barcelona clash, while Harry Winks impressed and could start again.
Predicted Tottenham team vs Cardiff
(4-2-3-1) Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose; Dier, Winks; Moura, Lamela, Son; Kane.