Dembele a doubt for derby clash after injuring ankle
MOUSA DEMBELE is a doubt for Sunday’s derby against Arsenal after limping out of Tottenham’s win at Crystal Palace last night with an ankle injury, writes
Tom Collomosse.
The Belgium midfielder was struggling towards the end of the first half of Spurs’ 1-0 victory and did not reappear for the second period. Asked after the game about his chances of recovering for the north London clash at White Hart Lane, he was uncertain.
Dembele’s absence would deprive Tottenham of one of their most influential players at a decisive stage of the season.
He was banned for first four matches of the season after scratching the eye of Chelsea striker Diego Costa during the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last May and his progress was then halted by a foot injury.
Yet, in the second half of the season, the 29-year-old has been back to his best and manager Mauricio Pochettino lacks another player with his characteristics.
Pochettino will assess Danny
Rose during the remainder of the week before deciding whether to include the England international in the squad to face Arsenal.
The left-back has not played since damaging medial knee ligaments in the 0-0 draw at Sunderland on January 31, but has rejoined the first-team squad for some parts of training this week.