Antonio Conte has confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur is available for Tottenham's game against Man City on Thursday evening. Last featuring for Spurs in their 4-3 win over Leeds United just prior to the World Cup, the Uruguay international has not taken to the pitch since injuring an adductor muscle in his right leg in his country's final group game at the start of December.
Confirming last Friday that Bentancur's situation was improving and that they would make a decision over him the following day prior to the North London Derby against Arsenal, the 25-year-old missed out on the squad completely as they lost 2-0 against their fierce rivals. Now facing another daunting game with a trip to the Premier League champions on the agenda, Conte provided the latest when speaking about Bentancur in his pre-match press conference.
"Team news, like I said after the game against Arsenal, Rodrigo Bentancur trained with us," said the Italian. "He's available. He could be available for the game against City."
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Bentancur's availability could see Conte tweak his midfield ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium after opting for a midfield duo of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Pape Matar Sarr in the Arsenal defeat. Having enjoyed great success with a Bentancur and Hojbjerg partnership this season, the Italian may opt to start the pair against City if the ex-Juventus man is in a position to play from the off.
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Tottenham will be hoping to repeat their result at the Etihad Stadium from last campaign having won 3-2 in the last minute courtesy of Harry Kane's header. Spurs' use of the ball is going to be key, especially with the hosts expected to dominate possession as always.
"I remember the game and to win against Manchester City, you have to try not to make mistakes," said Conte. "Because you know for sure, when you go to play against Manchester City, the ball possession will be 70 to 75 per cent for them. Then you have 20 or 25 per cent of ball possession so in this period you have to be very good, to move the ball well and create chances to score.
"You know when you're playing against I think the best team in the world at the moment it will be very difficult. Last season we were very good, showed great resilience. Also in this type of game, you need also to be a bit lucky to get a good result."
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