Tottenham interim manager Cristian Stellini has revealed the latest injury news from Hotspur Way ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth.
Spurs welcome the Cherries to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday looking to strengthen their Champions League bid. The north Londoners are currently fifth in the Premier League table, three points off Manchester United, with eight games remaining.
Stellini's men come into the game without a defeat in their last five games in all competitions. With tough games against Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool on the horizon, victory over Bournemouth is crucial.
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And ahead of the game, interim boss Stellini discussed the prospect of Richarlison returning to action. The Brazilian international has missed the last two games after being forced off in tears just four minutes into the 3-3 draw after just four minutes.
"We have only Richy (Richarlison) with one week training with us," he said. "Only Richy is completely back and we recover him, the other players they start to work but work alone so they are not available." He added: “We have to take care with him, to give him training, and the right timing to play. To not take risks.
"He’s not the only one who wants to be on the pitch every time. Every player wants to be on the pitch. Sometimes they hide their condition to try to play, to have one possibility to score, to do something good.
"But now when you live experience like Richarlison this season, maybe they can grow in their mindset. I hope that Richy understands that we are taking care of him." Richarlison was taken off early against Southampton last month after suffering from an abdominal muscle issue.
Elsewhere, Stellini confirmed that Ben Davies, Emerson Royal and Ryan Sessegnon remain sidelined. "Ben Davies, Emerson and other players are working hard but they are not available," the Italian said. When asked how close Davies and Sessegnon were from returning, Stellini replied: "Is a question for the doctor.
"They are not working with us. They are working alone. We are pushing and the doctor are trying to do their best to have them without risk as soon as possible, but it’s not a question for me, I don’t have a perfect answer.”
Midfield duo Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur remain sidelined, with the latter out for the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. "The injury of Bissouma is particular," Stellini told football.london.
"He is recovering. He start to work but it is not easy to recover strength in the calf after an injury like this so we have to respect the time for Bissouma."
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