Poch discusses Alderweireld and ‘fantastic’ Lloris

Matt Stead

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld will avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a scan revealed no major injury.

Alderweireld missed Spurs’ goalless draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday after being carried off on a stretcher against West Brom last weekend.

The Belgian is unlikely to return in time for Saturday’s game away at Bournemouth but next weekend’s match against reigning Premier League champions Leicester is a realistic possibility.

“It will be difficult (this weekend) because it is very painful but the reaction was good,” Pochettino said.

“The scan was clear, no problems but we need to wait because it was a very heavy knock and we have to see. It will be difficult for the weekend.”

Harry Kane has begun light training this week as he recovers from an ankle ligament problem but he is further away in terms of match fitness.

There was a fresh fitness concern in Germany, however, after Danny Rose left the BayArena wearing a protective boot.

The details of Rose’s discomfort are as yet unknown, with the defender playing the full game as Tottenham held on for a valuable point.

Hugo Lloris made a string of excellent stops in the second half and one was exceptional, as he denied Javier Hernandez from point-blank range.

Spurs dominated the first period in Germany but in the end had Lloris to thank for a result that keeps them second in Group E and only a point off the top with two home games to come.

“I think after two years here and a few months, my third season at Tottenham, only I can say good things for him,” Pochettino said.

“He is a fantastic goalkeeper, one of the best in the world. Today in the second half he was brilliant again.

“I have not changed my opinion about him, that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he showed in every action today he is top quality, one of the best.

“I think he is in the best moment of his career and always it is important to have a keeper like him.”

Tottenham will hope to have Kane and Alderweireld back for the return fixture against Leverkusen at Wembley next month, when victory would put them in a commanding position to progress.

Vincent Janssen headed against the crossbar while Dele Alli and Erik Lamela both spurned chances to score but Pochettino left satisfied with a point.

“In the first half we were better and in the second half they were better and some brilliance from our keeper kept us in the game,” Pochettino said.

“It is a strong point, we need to feel pleased with the point. When you analyse the game, the point is important and we need to be happy with that.”