The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
PochettinosettoringchangesfortestinDortmund
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted he may rest players against Borussia Dortmund tonight but said Danny Rose is in contention to start.
Spurs have already qualified for the Champions League last 16 and need only one victory from their two remaining games to progress as winners of Group H.
It means Pochettino is likely to take the chance to rotate his line-up, which could include a start for Rose, who was left out of the squad completely for Saturday’s north London derby.
Pochettino insisted after the defeat to Arsenal that Rose was left out for fitness reasons – amid fresh speculation he is unsettled – but the left back travelled to Germany and trained with the squad last night.
“He is doing well,” Pochettino said. “The training session on Saturday was tough for him and today he will train with the group and then we will decide if tomorrow he will play or not. I cannot speak about the rumours. If you ask if Danny is here and do we have an issue, I say no. No issue with him.”
Harry Kane and Dele Alli were both taken off in the second half at Emirates Stadium, only a week after pulling out of the England squad with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.
Son Heung-min and Fernando Llorente are potential replacements for the pair and Pochettino may give at least one of the England pair a break, with a home game against West Brom to come on Saturday.
“Dele and Harry were fit to play against Arsenal,” Pochettino said. “I’ve spoken with everyone and we have conversations with the 25 players. Then when I get the perception I’m going to decide.
“We only rest players who need to rest – always what’s best for them and the team. I hope not too many rest because it’s a Champions League game and we want to win and it’s better to win tomorrow than to wait for the last game against Apoel.
“The objective was to qualify and we achieved that but it’s important to finish first if we can.”
In charge of the match at Signal Iduna Park will be French referee Clement Turpin, who was also officiating when Alli made his middle finger gesture while playing for England against Slovakia in September.
Fifa’s disciplinary committee determined Alli had not aimed the gesture at Turpin but Pochettino said he would still tell the 21-year-old to be on his best behaviour.
Pochettino said: “I’ll tell Dele to be careful if he is the referee.”
Victor Wanyama (knee) and Toby Alderweireld (hamstring) are out, as is winger Erik Lamela (hip).