As Tottenham Hotspur departed for their Champions League crash against CSKA Moscow, manager Mauricio Pochettino announced that Harry Kane, Mousa Dembele, Danny Rose, Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko would not be travelling with the team due to injury.

There was previously hope that midfield duo Dembele and Dier would return for the clash as they were left at home for Spurs’ clash in Middlesbrough after picking up knocks against Sunderland the previous weekend. It was understood at the time that the two only suffered from cramp during the clash against the Black Cats. It is understood however that the two are progressing well and that making the two travel  was not worth the risk. 

Danny Rose on the other hand has been absent for three weeks after picking up a hamstring injury while on duty for England. The left back was initially ruled out for four weeks and so the fact that he hasn’t travelled is no surprise, but many will expect him back for Tottenham’s clash against Manchester City this upcoming weekend.

Likewise it is no surprise that striker Harry Kane is not travelling with the team as he damaged him ankle ligament in Tottenham’s clash with Sunderland at White Hart Lane. There was no time frame put on the injury from the club but Pochettion recently confirmed that a recent scan has shown a more positive result than expected, which has shortened the speculated six to eight week period. 

Moussa Sissoko however was ruled out after suffering concussion in Saturday’s win over Middlesbrough.

Worrying signs for Spurs

With Spurs looking to pick up points in the Champions League this season the news of the quintets is worrying. Tottenham’s lost to Monaco in their opening fixture in Europe’s elite competition has left them sitting at the bottom of Group E with no points. Four of the injured five are regular starters for the North London club and were key members of the squad that mounted a title challenge last season. With Tottenham so desperate to pick up points, the injuries will make it all that bit harder. 

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