Pochettino says he’ll keep faith with Llorente

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is likely to persist with Fernando Llorente for the FA Cup fourth round at Crystal Palace.

Llorente has started the last two games following the injury to Harry Kane and has endured a mixed time.

He scored an own goal and missed two good chances in the 2-1 win at Fulham before making up for an abject first-half performance in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea by scoring the goal that sent the tie to penalties.

The 33-year-old Spaniard has never started three games in a row in his previous 18 months at the club but is set to be given the nod by Pochettino at Selhurst Park.

The Argentinian said: “He scored on Thursday, no? His performance was good.

“I am happy with him. To manage is when you don’t play too many games and it’s normal that you’re in a different physical level and we need to assess him for Sunday to see if he’s ready to play again.

“But if he’s ready he’s going to play again for sure.”

Llorente may keep his shirt but Spurs will otherwise rotate as they manage a period of four games in 10 days.

Hugo Lloris and Kieran Trippier are likely to come back into the side after missing out at Chelsea while Pochettino, who admits struggling with the quick turnaround, could make other changes.

“It is difficult because when you are focusing on a semi-final against Chelsea on a Thursday and you didn’t sleep properly,” he said.

“It is our responsibility to think but we are still disappointed from Thursday. But we are going to be completely recovered with full energy.

“Palace is going to be a difficult game, of course we are going to rotate because we need to rotate because we have two Premier League games on Wednesday and Saturday.

“It is going to be tough too, we are going to need full energy in every game. Sunday is going to be a game we need full energy in. ”

Spurs’ hopes of winning silverware were dealt a blow with that loss at Chelsea, but that does not put more pressure on the FA Cup, according to Pochettino.

“I think it’s the same,” he added. “It’s important. Always when you are going to play, it’s the most important game that you have ahead.

“Palace now is our most important game for sure.”