Giovani Lo Celso is looking unlikely to participate in this afternoon’s clash in Tottenham. The Argentine has been out for some time now with a muscle injury to his left thigh and the suggestion is that he might be available to make the bench at least for our next game against LASK, at home in the Europa League, next Thursday.
Gareth Bale is listed by Physioroom as being 75% ready to play. As per my team selection, I have feeling that Bale will play. Maybe I’m wildly wrong, but I think José appreciates how important the derby is, and that as far as protecting the 31-year-old, a Premier League game may be the shrewder option.
Eric Dier is listed as 50% ready to play, and again, my belief is that if there’s no threat to the boy then Mourinho will want him out there today.
West Ham’s Ryan Fredericks is also due a late fitness test, having spent the International break recovering from a thigh injury he picked up beforehand. Arthur Masuaku has a knee injury but is listed as 75% available.