Pochettino hints Winks will start in ‘must-win’ Tottenham game

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Mauricio Pochettino has indicated that Harry Winks will start for Tottenham against APOEL Nicosia, with seven first-team players out of the Champions League clash.

Spurs’ chief creative players Christian Eriksen (illness), Dele Alli (suspended) and Mousa Dembele (ankle) are among the absentees, opening the door for Winks to feature.

Spurs Pochettino said: “Yes, maybe he can start. We still need to assess the squad in one last training session but he is one of the players who has the possibility to start.

“Christian is a very important player for us but we need to move on and find a way to perform and win without him. I am not a manager who will cry (about an absent player). It’s about the collective effort.”

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Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in their group opener and face a double header against reigning European champions Real Madrid after APOEL, which Pochettino therefore insists is a “must-win” game.

He said: “After doing so well against Borussia Dortmund, it is a must-win (against APOEL). There is no excuse. For our future in the Champions League, it is so important we win tomorrow.

“The fans expect us to win the game but the Champions League is so tough. I have watched APOEL play in their local league and against Real Madrid. They have good players and it will be a very dangerous game tomorrow. We need to be focused.”