Friday 2 March 2018 15:08, UK
Mauricio Pochettino says he does not expect Toby Alderweireld to be fit in time for Tottenham's Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Juventus on Wednesday.
Hopes had been rising that the Belgium international, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury for four months, could play a part in the last-16 tie at Wembley which is level at 2-2 following the first leg.
But Pochettino has dampened the speculation. "I think we need to be cautious with him because we still need to assess him every day," he said.
"I don't believe he can be ready for Juventus."
Pochettino's immediate priority is the Premier League game against Huddersfield at Wembley on Saturday.
Spurs are fourth in the table and chasing one of the Champions League places and the Argentine believes the fight to finish in the top four will go right to the wire.
"Manchester City is in a very good position now and they are so close to winning the title," he added.
"We are in behind and we need to fight a lot with different teams to try to achieve the top four because it will be so important for next season.
"It will be a battle until the end and we know very well that we need to be consistent.
"After our defeat against Manchester City we are in a run of 16 games unbeaten. That is what we need to do, be consistent and win games and try to finish in the best condition possible and try to get one of the Champions League places for next season."
Tottenham have ten games left to ensure they play Champions League football at their new stadium next season but Pochettino is refusing to be drawn on how many points they will need.
"I don't know because, it is so difficult to guess, the most important thing is to try to win and now it is up to us."
