Eriksen, Alli, Vertonghen, Dembele out for Spurs vs. Barcelona

Remember when we reported that Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele were likely to return in time to play Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday

Well, there’s some team news out this morning.

[Extremely Rictus Smile]

This is just about the worst case scenario for Tottenham. They go into the Champions League against one of the best teams in the world without their two most creative players, one of its two best defenders, and a fullback with the pace to get back and help nullify Barca’s insane attack.

In fact the ONLY bit of good news is on the goalkeeper front — Hugo Lloris is “available for selection” and will presumably start between the sticks for Spurs over Paulo Gazzaniga, while Michel Vorm has returned to training.

This means that Spurs will probably roll out a lineup that is similar to the one they played in the second half against Huddersfield this past weekend. There are options — Eric Dier could drop into a back three with Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld, and any of Victor Wanyama, Moussa Sissoko, and Harry Winks could feature in midfield. I’d have to think Erik Lamela is a lock to start now, as Spurs will need SOMEONE who knows how to thread a through-ball into the channels.

The only saving grace is that Barcelona will be without two of its starting defenders in Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto and are on a winless streak in La Liga. Spurs also have the Wembley atmosphere in their favor as well.

However: yikes.