Pochettino delivers positive news on Danny Rose

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has delivered much-needed positive injury news on Danny Rose, with the left-back close to a first-team return.

The England international has been on the sidelines since hurting his ankle in a 50-50 challenge against Sunderland earlier this year, with Ben Davies deputising in his place.

Although the FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea this weekend will come too soon for Rose, the combative defender could well face Arsenal in the Premier League next weekend.

“Arsenal, maybe, but for Saturday, no,” Pochettino told the club’s official website.

“He is okay, he is doing well, he’s still not with the group but he is at a very good level.”

Rose has been included in the Premier League Team of the Season alongside fellow full-back Kyle Walker, showing the impact the two Spurs widemen have had in this year’s excellent campaign.

Tottenham have coped without the left-back, with Davies filling in well and showing the level of strength in depth in Pochettino’s side.

However, the Welshman was caught out by Sadio Mane’s pace against Liverpool at Anfield last month, showing that Rose is undoubtedly first choice in the position.

Spurs fans will hope that the defender can get back to his excellent pre-injury form before the end of the campaign and play a role in a successful culmination to 2016-17.