Tottenham duo will miss cup game but are close to return

© Nick Potts/PA Wire

Tottenham duo Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele are nearing a return to action but will miss the FA Cup clash at Tranmere.

Vertonghen (thigh) and Dembele (ankle) have been out for several weeks but are back in training.

Eric Dier is also back on grass but will not be involved at Prenton Park, while Erik Lamela has an illness.

Spurs boss Mauricio confirmed at a press conference on Thursday afternoon that Spurs’ injury problems are easing.

Pochettino also touched on the contract situation surrounding Christian Eriksen, whose deal runs out in 2020.

Negotiations with the 26-year-old are reported to have stalled, but Pochettino said: “I am not a person that suffers too much in this type of situation.

“Football is dynamic, Christian Eriksen is so important for Tottenham. You would like to have this type of player with you. It’s a negotiation, it will be fantastic if he will commit to the club.”

There are reports that Spurs are prepared to double Eriksen’s wages in order to keep him at the club.