Tottenham: Pochettino Says Lloris Close to Being Available

Tottenham’s starting goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is nearing full fitness.

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham could see their captain return to the starting lineup after the international break is over.

Speaking to reporters, Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that the 29-year-old wouldn’t be available to join France as he will be recovering at Spurs’ Enfield training center.

“We think that he’s available very soon,” Pochettino said.

“He is recovering very well and we are happy because his injury was a big issue for us.”

“It is difficult for him to play on Saturday and he is not available to play for France. He will stay here with us.”

“But for sure after the international break he will be with us.”

This is great news for Spurs as they will be getting their starting goalkeeper back in time for the Champions League after the group stage draw was announced today.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Michel Vorm of Tottenham Hotspur gestures during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) /

In Hugo Lloris’ absence, Michel Vorm has been reliable at net making some good saves, even if he hasn’t been challenged that much.

Per WhoScored, Vorm made two saves in relief duty against Everton and two more saves against Crystal Palace.

These numbers don’t show how good the 32-year-old Dutch ‘keeper can be, but it does make Spurs’ situation much easier after the Toffees and Eagles didn’t have many shots on target in both games.

Following the international break from August 29th to September 1st, Lloris should be in contention to start against Stoke City on September 10th.

If not, then Michel Vorm could make his third straight start while the French shot-stopper gets ready for the Champions League three or four days later.

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With regards to the international break, while it helps give some players rest now that the season is underway, Mauricio Pochettino is not particularly keen on losing his starters so early in the year.

“It’s too early to start again, the competition with the national teams,” Pochettino added.

“We can’t complain but, it’s true, it’s difficult.”

“We cannot change the rules. It’s the business, this is football.”

“And there’s nothing we can do because the players want to be involved.”

“It’s an opportunity to play for your country and be in the next World Cup and it’s important for them.”

“It’s very important how we manage it. Last week Dele Alli was sick for two or three days and it was impossible for him to play [against Crystal Palace].”

“You cannot kill the player, he’s not a machine. It’s important how we manage them.”

For players like Mousa Dembélé (suspension) and Son Heung-Min (Olympics), it gives both players — and others who might not be called up to international duty — extra time to get fit once club football resumes.

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This is especially crucial for the likes of Hugo Lloris who should be ready by the start of September.

Although the 29-year-old could be fit very soon, it would be in Mauricio Pochettino’s best interests to stick with Michel Vorm to start against Stoke City.

Lloris would get a few more days to rest up and could get a start in the Champions League against either CSKA Moscow, Bayer Leverkusen or AS Monaco.

With Pochettino’s preference to slowly work his players back to full health, returning soon after a hamstring injury could impede Tottenham’s aspiration hopes of a deep run in Europe and challenge for the league title in the Premiership.

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