Poch: Lucas deserved his chance

MAURICIO POCHETTINO sounded a warning to Manchester City that Tottenham have the squad to survive Harry Kane’s absence ahead of two massive head-to-head collisions in the coming week.

Tottenham take a 1-0 lead into their Champions League secondleg fixture on Wednesday before they square off in the Premier League three days later.

The loss of Kane to an ankle injury could yet be a major factor in how Spurs finish their season, but their squad depth was demonstrated by the superb hat-trick by third-choice striker Lucas Moura in the demolition of Huddersfield yesterday.

After springing a surprise by picking Moura ahead of Son Heung-min, Pochettino said: ‘Football is moving so quick. After the City game people thought Sonny would be the man to step up for Harry but today Fernando Llorente deserved to score and Lucas had an unbelievable afternoon.

‘All managers are disappointed when people talk about rotation but when you have 25 players they need to have the chance to play. We have a very tough period ahead and we need all players fit and with confidence. We are close to achieving all things we plan.’

Pochettino is waiting on the fitness of Dele Alli and Harry Winks for Wednesday’s clash. They missed the Huddersfield win with hand and groin injuries respectively and Pochettino said: ‘We’ll see with Dele. I’m not sure. He is doing some training sessions [with a protective cast] and needs to be comfortable. It’s a bit painful. He broke a bone in two places. Harry Winks is not a big issue but not easy.’