Paulo: "It's always the same answer - I'm ready"

Paulo Gazzaniga is ready. He’s always ready. Only this time, he’s ready for his longest stint in the team after an unfortunate injury to Hugo Lloris at Brighton last weekend.

Our captain and number one fell awkwardly with only three minutes on the clock and was subsequently stretchered off at the Amex Stadium. He suffered a dislocated elbow that will not require surgery but will mean he’s ruled out until next year.

Paulo, 27, has 15 appearances for us to his name, including three already this season. He's been involved in the matchday 18 in 65 of our last 69 matches in all competitions stretching back to the start of last season.

Next up, Watford at home in the Premier League after the international break on Saturday 19 October (3pm), the start of a sequence of six games in 22 days.

“It’s always the same answer, I’m ready,” said Paulo at Hotspur Way earlier this week. “I try to be focussed. I believe in myself and my team-mates, and that’s the only way. We know we have to be strong. At home, especially, we have to be strong.”

Paulo is used to coming in for games but admitted the circumstances were difficult at Brighton. “This was different,” he said, referring to the sight of his team-mate and friend being stretchered off in so much pain. “I wasn’t comfortable seeing Hugo coming out of the game in that way. Everyone knows what he means for the team and for the Club, our captain.

“Now it’s about having the right mentality and being focussed, starting against Watford.”