As recently as last season it was impossible to think that Spurs would miss an injured Mousa Dembele.
The Belgian was a peripheral figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s debut season at the club. Though undoubtedly skilful, it seemed likely that Demebele would never fulfil his potential at White Hart Lane.
Perhaps it was the summer rumours of a move to Sunderland that gave Dembele the kick-start he needed. Whatever the motivation, Dembele emerged this season as a slimmer, fitter figure, whose use of the ball was far more intelligent.
He’s now one of the most important members of Pochettino’s side, but having picked up a groin strain looks set to be absent for two weeks, missing the North London derby.
With Dembele out, his place alongside Eric Dier is up for grabs. Tom Carroll has featured regularly in recent weeks but is currently injured himself. Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason have recovered from their own fitness problems, though both look off the pace. Finally, there is the option of dropping Dele Alli deeper, yet that will rob the team of his creativity nearer to goal.
Personally, we’d go for Alli, leaving Bentaleb and Mason for the Europa League. Give your verdict in our poll below.
[polldaddy poll=9322915]
I think the more important question is what on earth was Dembele doing on the pitch against Palace anyway?
He’s one of our most important players and we know from past experience that he doesn’t recover as fast as some of the younger players and could have done with a rest. I think Mauricios a fantastic manager but like Harry before him is making mistakes in not prioritising premier league games dramatically.
Except Alli, none can fill the shoes of Dembele. Our attack will be weakened if Poch drop Alli back into a deeper midfield role. I think we will be in deep shit if we can’t get Dembele fit for the NLD game onwards. Not even Alli has the physicality to drive us forward in that middle of the park. We need someone there who is bullish, strong and experienced to back up Dembele especially for the NLD but at the moment, tbh I feel that there is none of them. By partnering Alli with Dier in that CDM role, it will be too inexperience for them to come up against the Arse midfield’s trio. Arsenal will have the advantage if Dembele can’t make it on match day. Their players will try their very best to get Alli booked and even worse, get him out of this game. Alli got to discipline himself on the pitch, stay calm and do not get involve into any tussle with the Arse players. Do not fall into their trap! Fingers crossed that Dembele will be fit enough to play in the NLD. COYS!!!!!