JOSE MOURINHO is ready to hand Dele Alli a Tottenham lifeline in the Europa League clash against Maccabi Haifa.
The Spurs midfielder, 24, has been left out of the last two squads, for games against Newcastle in the Premier League and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Dele Alli could play in Spurs’ Europa League play-off against Maccabi HaifaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jose Mourinho has been impressed with Dele Alli’s commitment in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Alli has only played twice this season, in the 1-0 opening day defeat against Everton – where he was subbed at half-time – and the Europa League qualifying tie against Shkendija Tetovo.
His prolonged absence has sparked a wave of transfer rumours, with Paris Saint-Germain keen on bringing the England star to the other side of The Channel.
But Mourinho has hinted Alli could play in the Europa League play-off tie against Maccabi Haifa after “training very hard”.
Ahead of Thursday’s game, Mourinho said: “The only thing I can say is he’s being very professional. He has trained very hard.
“It would be perfectly acceptable to have a lack of motivation, even a lack of professionalism for training session, but it was exactly the opposite.
“He has my respect and the respect of his team-mates so it is possible he plays.”
Despite bemoaning his side’s congested fixture list, Mourinho is keen to win the play-off tie, with the winner earning a spot in the Europa League proper.
Alli has only played twice this season and was on the brink of leavingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Tottenham are in training ahead of the huge clash with Maccabi HaifaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mourinho has won the competition twice, once in its current guise with Manchester United and once – then known as the Uefa Cup – at Porto.
And the Special One is itching to make it No3, saying: “We are going to have a good go and we are going to try and win it.
“These knockout ties are very dangerous.
“We have to make sure tomorrow [Thursday] we win it.”
Dele Alli AXED from Tottenham versus Chelsea in Carabao Cup with Mourinho stating everyone is in contention
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
