Tottenham Hotspur have delivered their team news for this weekend’ FA Cup clash against Newport County on the official website, with the club confirming that Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela are carrying new knocks.
With a hectic fixture list over the next few weeks, Mauricio Pochettino needs to manage his Spurs squad with games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus coming up.
As such, Tottenham should make major changes this weekend against Newport and any players with a hint of injury concerns should not be risked.
Aurier came off in the 1-1 draw against Southampton and as such Kieran Tripper must be in line to play in the FA Cup.
Tottenham have confirmed that the Ivory Coast right-back, who has proven himself as the superior option in the position, is nursing a calf injury.
Lamela has also picked up a bruised muscle, which could well see him sit out the game against Newport.
The Argentine has struggled since returning to Tottenham availability after a long layoff, and would surely have been in line to start this weekend.
However, with strength in depth in attacking positions an issue for Spurs, Pochettino will surely need Lamela in upcoming Premier League games.
Tottenham will want to progress past Newport and into the next round, especially as the competition represents the chance for much-awaited silverware.
However, a potential upset defeat would be a real blow ahead of sterner upcoming test.
The London Evening Standard also suggest that despite Toby Alderweireld declaring himself fit to play, Tottenham will not risk the star defender – a sensible move.
Pochettino’s man management and squad rotation system will be put to the test this weekend, with the ideal situation a win with a scratch side.