Raul had a wonderful impact on Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino says

Harry Winks remains unavailable and Mousa Dembele is questionable for tomorrow’s match against West Brom, Mauricio Pochettino said in his pre-match presser. 

Even if Dembele is available, it’s highly unlikely the gaffer will select him to start. Expect Victor Wanyama to take his place in the heart of midfield, taking his place beside Eric Dier.

Dembele “twisted his ankle”, a relatively minor injury. However, the short rest week combined with the relatively safe position Spurs are in won’t force the gaffer into any rash, knee-jerk decisions.

The Belgian international will definitely be ready to commandeer his place in midfield against Newcastle midweek.

As part of obtaining his coaching badges, Raul joined the lads at Hotspur Way yesterday for training. The gaffer said Raul is one of the all-time greats, commanding respect everywhere he goes.

"“I think everyone here, not only in Tottenham but around the world – you admire a legend like Raul. It was fantastic to share the whole day with him yesterday,” Pochettino said."

Spurs have their sight set on third place with three matches to play. Pochettino said the lads know the importance of finishing as high as possible in the standings and a win at West Brom will position them perfectly with two matches to play.

Harry Kane, who is four goals behind Mo Salah, still has a chance at the Golden Boot, but Pochettino said everyone needs to have their focus on winning as a team. Although if personal records come as part of winning, the reward is felt even more acutely.

Raul reiterated the need to always put the team first, saying scoring plays a bridesmaid’s role to a team’s collective success.

West Brom is a completely different team to the last time these two sides met, the gaffer said, referring to the Baggies’ recent resurgence since Darren Moore took the helm just over a month ago.

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Spurs haven’t lost at the Hawthornes in a decade, but they haven’t exactly had things their own way either. Four 1-1 draws have slightly tainted that 10-year unbeaten string.

The Baggies are playing with the sort of unencumbered freedom that can cause Tottenham problems tomorrow. Pochettino remains resolute, knowing a win tomorrow will secure a top-four spot, Tottenham’s main goal since the season started.