Sat 06 March 2021, 17:35
Tottenham HotspurJose Mourinho expects Serge Aurier to be available for selection as we face Crystal Palace at home on Sunday (7.15pm).
The full-back missed our 1-0 win at Fulham on Thursday night after feeling a calf issue on his return against Burnley last weekend.
Asked if he would be back in the frame, Jose said: "Serge, I believe, yes. He had that injury then he played the last match until minute 70, 75 when he started feeling his calf again. He doesn't have an injury, he has just not the best feelings after a muscular injury. I believe he is going to be okay, but to be honest I was so happy with Matt Doherty's performance (at Fulham)."
Giovani Lo Celso is closing in on full fitness. Jose said there is 'maybe an opportunity, but I don't think so' in terms of the midfielder being available for Palace, and suggested Thursday night's UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first leg against Dinamo Zagreb was more likely for a potential return to action.
The two matches we played against them, one this season, one last season, they scored and took points from us, so I have lots of respect for them.
Palace have recovered from defeats against Leeds and Burnley to go three unbeaten, including successive 0-0 draws this week against Fulham and Manchester United.
We're looking for three wins this week in the Premier League after Burnley and Fulham, and Jose said: "It's a difficult match, they defend a lot and well, they have a lots of good defenders, people who enjoy defending, enjoy playing in a defensive team.
"At the same time, a very good coach, Roy and his staff, they know very well how to play, their 4-4-2, sometimes they bring one more player back, but normally 4-4-2, they are aggressive in the counter attack, they are good at set-pieces, they have giants who can win the first ball and can win the game in the opposition half.
"They are a very good team, and it is going to be difficult. If we want to go up the table, of course, we need points. March is going to be very, very hard. If we can add three points to our total it will be good."
