Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for arguably the biggest game in the club’s history, with a Champions League final date with destiny against Liverpool coming up next month.
Spurs have defied the bookmakers odds to make it through against tough opponents and now are 90 minutes away from becoming European champions.
Tottenham fans will hope that the three-week period between the Premier League campaign finishing and the big game in Madrid will allow some of the club’s injured players to recuperate.
Spurs have been hit with injuries to key men this season and much has been made over the club making the Champions League final without sidelined striker Harry Kane.
While the Tottenham talisman is a critical player for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, the North London side will be hoping that experienced centre-half Jan Vertonghen is also fit and able to feature against Liverpool.
The Spurs fan favourite was seen leaving Amsterdam with his foot in a protective boot after the win over Ajax, sparking fears that the Belgium international could be a doubt for the clash against the Reds.
Tottenham will have a big job on their hands to keep the blistering Liverpool forward line quiet in the final but their chances of doing so would be boosted massively if Vertonghen is fit and able to play.
Davinson Sanchez is also nursing an injury and his potential involvement is unclear, making the need for Vertonghen all the more pressing.
The Belgian has struck up an excellent centre-half partnership with international compatriot Toby Alderweireld, with the duo having the right blend of experience, physicality and footballing intelligence to shut out opponents.
Vertonghen is a loyal servant to Tottenham and seeing him with the Champions League trophy lofted above his head would be a dream for Spurs fans – having him fit for Madrid would be a big boost in making this dream a reality.