Mousa Dembele a doubt for Tottenham’s match at West Brom

Team news is out for Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to the Hawthornes to take on West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, and it’s mostly all expected. Spurs announced on social media that Harry Winks is the only player who is confirmed to miss the match against the Baggies.

However, there are a couple of doubts. Mousa Dembele will be assessed at the end of training today to see if he is ready to play against West Brom; Mauricio Pochettino said in a pre-match press conference that even if he’s not quite ready to go this weekend, he should be fine for the midweek match against Newcastle.

“We need to assess [Mousa] today because we are going to train now. It’s not clear whether he will be fit or not. But I think we need to wait until after the training and see if he’s in a condition to be part of the team or squad tomorrow. Still we need to assess him.

“He twisted his ankle. It’s not a big issue but it’s so close from Monday’s game. We need to assess today. If it’s not possible tomorrow then for sure he’ll be available for Wednesday and the weekend.”

Poch also gave an update on Danny Rose, who is now fully recovered from his injury and is working to regain his role in Spurs’ starting XI. Here’s Poch responding to a reporter question pointing out Ben Davies’ offensive output this season:

“I don’t believe too much in the stats but of course [Davies] is doing a fantastic job, sharing with Danny Rose. I think both have been fantastic. Unlucky for Danny that the last six months were difficult for him, were hard for him. Danny is fit again to try and compete for his position on the pitch. After four years Ben Davies needs to be proud and get the credit he deserves because he is a fantastic player for Tottenham.”

West Brom are missing only two players heading into Saturday’s match: James Morrison and Gareth Barry are both on the long-term injury list, while former Spur (and current dolphin) Nacer Chadli faces a late fitness test.

Normally Spurs fans might not get too worked up over a trip to the club at the bottom of the table, but despite their prospects for staying in the Premier League next season looking bleak, they are certainly giving their all. The Baggies have taken seven points from their last three games, including wins at Newcastle and Manchester United, and a home draw vs. Liverpool.

Tottenham drew 1-1 against Albion in November at Wembley in a derpy game that saw Solomon Rondon score in the fourth minute. A win over West Brom will relegate the Baggies, but Spurs will need to be on the top of their game in order to be assured of a victory.