Tottenham left-back Danny Rose has been ruled out of Tottenham's first leg tie against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, after picking up a shin injury in his side's win over Leicester at the weekend.
The injury comes as a double blow, with fellow full-back Ben Davies also ruled out of the tie. Pochettino will therefore be forced to alter his back line, and potentially start Jan Vertonghen at left back on Wednesday.
TEAM NEWS:
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 12, 2019
Danny Rose (shin wound) – sustained injury against Leicester City and will be assessed ahead of tomorrow’s match. pic.twitter.com/zK2Mzf1FBf
Although he has tussled with Ben Davies for a starting berth this term, Rose has been immense when selected, and was the stand-out player in Tottenham's decisive Group B curtain-closer against Barcelona.
Pochettino has revealed it will be "impossible" for Rose to start against Dortmund, but remains hopeful the 28-year-old will recover in time to at least occupy the Wembley bench on Wednesday.
"[
“I’m always available for any position where the team needs me, obviously there’s some difference between the positions,” said Vertonghen.
“As a centre back everyone knows the way I play and as a left back I try to do it my way. I’m different to Danny Rose or Ben Davies but I’ve played there so many times with Belgium at the start of my career and I think I can do it in a way to suit the team.”
Whether Pochettino opts for a back three or the more conventional back four, they will have a tough time containing the mercurial talents of Jadon Sancho and co. on Wednesday night.
Source: 90min