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Tottenham team news vs Borussia Dortmund: Predicted line up – Kane update, defender crisis
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR are in the midst of an injury crisis ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Tottenham: Borussia Dortmund will be 'tough' says Pochettino
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has a number of injury issues to contend with ahead of his side’s clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
The Argentine had a decision to make at left-back with Ben Davies (groin) ruled out and Danny Rose (shin) certain not to start against the Bundesliga side.
Meanwhile, Dele Alli (hamstring) and Harry Kane (ankle) are also unlikely to feature with the duo still undergoing rehabilitation, although both have returned to light training way from the rest of the squad.
Speaking about Rose in his pre-match press conference, Pochettino said: “For tomorrow it’s impossible to start from the beginning.
“Tomorrow morning we are going to assess if he can be on the bench and if it’s possible to help the team if we need him but for the starting XI, as of today, he’s not available.”
Jan Vertonghen is most likely to deputise while Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez are expected to be paired in central defence.
Hugo Lloris is certain to start in goal and Kieran Trippier should get the nod over Serge Aurier at right-back.
However, Spurs are also sweating over the fitness of Eric Dier and Erik Lamela after both players missed the 3-1 victory over Leicester.
Dier is back in training following a virus and should anchor the midfield while Lamela also rejoined the squad on Tuesday after overcoming a back problem but may have to be content with a spot on the bench.
Pochettino is expected to continue with Fernando Llorente in a central role supported by Son Heung-min, while Christian Eriksen will be relied upon for a creative spark.
Lucas Moura is also pushing for a start while Oliver Skipp may be the unlucky man to drop out of the side from the win last weekend.
Meanwhile, Dortmund have injury issues of their own with Marco Reus, Lukasz Piszczek, Julian Weigl and Paco Alcacer all ruled out.
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Tottenham Hotspur predicted line-up vs Borussia Dortmund – Champions League
(4-3-1-2): Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Dier, Sissoko, Winks; Eriksen; Son, Llorente