TOTTENHAM manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that record-signing Tanguy Ndombele was NOT injured for their Boxing Day clash with Brighton.
The Frenchman was surprisingly not included in the matchday 18 for Spurs as they eventually overcame Graham Potter’s impressive Seagulls.
Ndombele was concerned about his fitness after a string of injuries this seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
Much to the ire of Spurs supporters, Mourinho decided to select Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks in the middle of midfield.
And after the match, the 56-year-old shed some light on the situation.
He said: ““I cannot say he is injured, I can say that yesterday he told me he was not feeling in condition to play the game.
“Not based on injuries, based on fears of previous injuries of the season. I cannot say he is injured.”
Mourinho has a history of expecting players to put their bodies on the line for him.
And while this bodes badly for Ndombele, the Spurs boss was impressed with the commitment of Erik Lamela.
The talented Argentine has been missing for two months and is yet to feature since Mauricio Pochettino left the club.
But having only taken part in two training sessions since returning from his hamstring injury, Lamela made himself available for selection for today’s match.
Spurs eventually overcame Brighton in rainy North LondonCredit: PA:Press Association
And Mourinho told reporters: “Lamela, 57 or 58 days without the team, trained with the team twice after all that time and he came to me and said ‘I think you need me because you have injuries or suspension, if you need me for 10-15 minutes I’ll be there’.
“If we needed a goal then he was there for us. That sort of thing touches me.”
Both Ndombele and Lamela were present as a group of Spurs stars that didn’t start today’s match trained on the pitch after the 2-1 win, as spotted by Football London.
Other participants in the unusual session included suspended Son Heung-min, as well as Eric Dier and Juan Foyth.
Midfielders Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko were both booked today – ruling the duo out of Saturday’s clash with Norwich at Carrow Road.
So Mourinho will be hoping to have Tanguy Ndombele fit and prepared for the important clash.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
