LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is back in training and almost fully fit, while Lucas Moura will return in the Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, manager Antonio Conte said on the eve of the game.
Kulusevski has not played for Spurs since picking up a hamstring injury on international duty with Sweden last month and Moura is also sidelined with a calf problem.
“I think Deki is almost done. Yesterday he had an MRI and it was really, really positive, but at the same time I spoke to the doctors and they said tomorrow we can have a 5 percent risk,” Conte told reporters.
“I don’t want to take any risks because Deki is an important player for us. It would be stupid… against Everton (on Saturday) I think he can play.”
The 22-year-old has been a crucial figure in Spurs’ attack, contributing three assists and a goal in all competitions this season.
With a home win against Eintracht, Conte comes one step closer to qualifying for the round of 16 with four points from three games. The Germans are tied on points, but are behind due to the better goal difference.
Conte said the full fixture list was a challenge and he had to find the right balance between rotating his squad and finding a winning combo.
“It’s difficult for everyone, playing every three days is a big effort. We have to manage the situation as best we can,” added the Italian.
“You know you have to rotate, but at the same time you need good results, otherwise there will be criticism. Fingers crossed, we have all the players available… it’s important to have a good balance in every game and not to lose your identity to lose .”
Spurs have been struggling for goals in the Champions League and talisman Harry Kane has yet to open his account in this year’s competition.
The England captain said he was determined to put things right against Eintracht.
“Tomorrow is a really important game. From a personal point of view I obviously want to score in every game. I hope to turn that around tomorrow night,” he said.
“The Premier League is going well – eight goals in nine appearances – and I want to score a few more goals in the Champions League.”