Tottenham fans hoping to see a debut of new full-back Pedro Porro this weekend against Manchester City could be left disappointed.
The former Man City player finally completed his move to Spurs on deadline day, but according to The Evening Standard, the absence of head coach Antonio Conte from training means that Porro is unlikely to get a full debut against his former club.
Instead, Spurs assistant manager who will be stepping up to manage the game in the absence of Conte is set to give Emerson Royal the nod, who remained at the club in January despite speculation that he might be sold.
Porro signed on loan ahead of a £47m deal and is expected to cement himself as Spurs’ first-choice right-back in the coming weeks.
Although he is unlikely to start this weekend, he may still get a place on the bench and will be eager to get involved.
Tottenham’s performance at right-back this season has been a major issue and Porro’s arrival could help solve this problem.
The young player has already proven himself at Sporting Lisbon and will not be fazed if he is asked to come in.
The absence of Conte from training may be a factor in the delay in Porro’s debut, but many fans would rather see him in the starting lineup than Royal, who has not lived up to expectations this season.
This weekend’s match against Manchester City is a tough challenge, but Porro has the potential to make an immediate impact with a strong debut.
Regardless of whether or not he starts, Tottenham fans will be eagerly anticipating his first performance in a Spurs shirt.
