Tottenham explain midfielder’s absence from matchday squad

There is a surprise exclusion from Tottenham’s matchday squad for their Premier League visit to Liverpool this afternoon.

Mauricio Pochettino has made four changes to the side that demolished Serbian outfit Red Star Belgrade 5-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday – one of which is Erik Lamela.

The Argentine produced one of his finest performances in a Spurs shirt in midweek – scoring his first European goal for over a year in the second-half, whilst adding two assists for Harry Kane’s early header and Heung Min Son’s second of the game just before half-time.

After that display, Lamela looked a certainty to start at Anfield, but he hasn’t even been named among the substitutes.

And just prior to kick-off, Mauricio Pochettino gave an update as to why the attacking midfielder is unavailable for selection.

He said: “He suffered a small problem with his thigh yesterday in training. This morning he was checked by the doctor and the decision was made that he couldn’t be involved. We hope it’s not a big issue.”