Pochettino admits Sissoko ban will hamper Tottenham’s chances

Mauricio Pochettino admits Tottenham will feel the strain of losing Moussa Sissoko for three games.

It was confirmed on Monday that the France international would not be appealing his three-match ban for elbowing Harry Arter during Saturday’s goalless draw with Bournemouth.

The 27-year-old’s suspension includes Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie at Liverpool, Saturday’s Premier League clash with Leicester and the North London derby against Arsenal on November 6.

And head coach Pochettino said: “That is true [it is a blow], we’re in a period where we need all the squad and all the players fit to compete.

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“We have four games ahead – Liverpool, Leicester, Leverkusen and Arsenal. It’s difficult now because he’s a player (who was) in our plans to play tomorrow and now we need to change a little.

“We have some injuries like Toby and Harry Kane, players who have some problems, players who need to rest a little because they play a lot. But okay, we have a strong squad, we need to go tomorrow with the idea and mentality that we want to win the game.

“We know it will be a difficult game, they are not involved in European competition and for sure, they are more fresh and they have a very good squad too, but in the end it’s a game where we need to compete and believe. It’s an opportunity to show the depth of our squad.”