Pochettino plays down severity of Lloris injury

Mark Holmes
Hugo Lloris: Set to miss several key games

Hugo Lloris: Set to miss several key games

Mauricio Pochettino does not expect Hugo Lloris to miss more than two games but is confident Tottenham will not suffer in his absence anyway.

Lloris will definitely miss Thursday night’s Europa League last-32 first leg tie at Fiorentina as well as Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at home to Crystal Palace, but Pochettino expects the Frenchman to be available for the return to Premier League action.

In his absence, Pochettino has backed Lloris’ under-study Michel Vorm to step up to the mark.

“It is not a big, big issue,” Pochettino said at his pre-match press conference.

“It is a very small injury. It will always impact, Hugo is our captain and it is a very important period for us but how it is important, we know now we have a squad and we believe that Michel is a very good, top goalkeeper too, and we believe in him and trust in him.

“It is true it is a big impact but in one week we expect and hope he is available to start to play again.”

Lloris picked up the injury turning away a Sergio Aguero cross deep into the 2-1 win at Manchester City on Sunday, which left Tottenham second in the Premier League.

“The last action of the game against Manchester City, Hugo hurt his shoulder and he is out for tomorrow and for Sunday too,” Pochettino explained.

“We need to assess him during the week if he can be available for next Thursday but for sure, tomorrow and next Sunday he is out.”