Another issue that came out of the FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace was the fact Harry Kane broke his nose, meaning for the first time this season he won’t be named in a matchday squad.
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Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino sees no reason why the high-flying Londoners can not challenge for both the Premier League and Europa League.
However, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is ready to return having missed the first leg in Florence – which finished 1-1 – and the Palace game with a shoulder injury.
The hosts will be boosted by the availability of Harry Kane (broken nose), Tom Carroll (calf/shin), and Erik Lamela (illness), but will have to make do without Moussa Dembele (pelvis), Jan Vertonghen (knee ligament), and Clinton N’Jie (knee). Not sure who to pick on FIFA Career Mode?
The striker underwent an operation on Wednesday and then took part in light training on both Thursday and Friday in a bid to prove his fitness for this weekend’s match at White Hart Lane.
Spurs can progress – and avenge last season’s exit to Fiorentina at the same stage – with a scoreless draw, but the Argentinian is keen that they attempt to win outright rather than rely on away goals.
Injury has restricted Mason’s progress and he has made just 10 Premier League appearances this season, the last of which came against Chelsea in November.
Sousa added: “We need to play with a high level of physical and mental intensity and we need to play our game”.
And Pochettino does not believe Tottenham have to prioritise a specific competition.
Fiorentina may afford Dele Alli some extra attention at White Hart Lane after the midfielder appeared to drag his foot over Nenad Tomovic during last week’s first leg. “I see good chances on getting through but we will have to deliver”.
Alli himself was rather more restrained in his reaction, saying: “It’s disappointing, you want to play as much as you can, but the great thing about the team this season is we’ve got great depth”.
“We fully deserve the result, happy, I’m very pleased with the performance”.
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“I think Eric brings a lot to this team”, Mason said.
