Latest team news ahead of Marseille - Lucas update, Antonio on rotation: “I know every player wants to play Champions League”
Tue 06 September 2022, 15:10|
Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte has positive news on Lucas Moura as we prepare to step back into the UEFA Champions League arena against Marseille at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday evening (8pm).
Last in the matchday squad for the win against Wolves on 20 August, Lucas is expected to begin training outside again at Hotspur Way tomorrow. Bryan Gil is also available again.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY after training on Tuesday, Antonio told us: “We only have one player who we need to recover, Lucas. I know tomorrow he is starting training again on the pitch, and that’s good news, because Lucas is an important player for us, especially as we need to have all the players available.
“We are playing every three days and for me, it’s important to have the possibility to make rotations and, at the same time, don’t drop the quality of the starting XI. It’s good news for us that Lucas is going to recover early.”
Yes, tough decisions, because… I was a player in the past and I know very well that every player wants to play this type of game
Antonio made five changes ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham and the team impressed with a dominant performance in a 2-1 win.
With such a touch schedule ahead - Marseille followed by a trip to City on Saturday (5.30pm), then Sporting away in Lisbon on Tuesday (5.45pm) - and players performing so well - remember, the team is now unbeaten in 12, it was put to Antonio that he has some tough decision ahead.
“Yes, tough decisions, because... I was a player in the past and I know very well that every player wants to play this type of game, Champions League, the most important tournament in the world, I know.
“At the same time, I have to try to pick the best starting XI and to find the right solutions, because after this game, we’re going to play against City, then another game in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon.
“Honestly, it’s not simple. This morning, when I woke up early, around six o’clock, I started to think about the way to face every game, but it’s right to go step by step and to be focussed on this game, because it’s very important for us to start well. We have to be excited to play again in the Champions League and enjoy this moment with our fans.”
