Harry Kane and Harry Winks have been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil, and will be in a race against time to be fit to play against Arsenal in next weekend.
The England striker returned from a hamstring injury last week in time to take on Real Madrid, helping his side to an emphatic 3-1 win to all-but seal their place in the knock-out stages of the competition, but has unfortunately picked up a knee injury at the weekend versus Crystal Palace.
Kane is joining Dele Alli on the sidelines, with the midfielder also missing the international fixtures, but Pochettino is expecting the youngster to be fit to return against Arsenal.
“Dele felt his tendon after the Manchester United game and played 90 minutes against Real Madrid,” Pochettino said.
“It’s a very small thing. We think he can make Arsenal.”
Harry Winks is also joining them on the sidelines, having failed to make it through the full 90 minutes against Palace, and he will be the most annoyed at losing his chance to earn his second England cap this week.
For Arsenal on the other hand, they will be rubbing their hands together at the thought of playing against Spurs without their star striker, who has been in scintillating form since putting a goalless August behind him.
They will also be boosted by the prospect of facing their neighbours without a fully-rejuvenated Alli, and you would have to expect us to put our rivals to the sword at the Emirates in a couple of weeks should neither be on top form.
Do Spurs have enough to challenge Arsenal without Kane and Alli?
Pat J