If Jose Mourinho’s latest Instagram post is anything to go by, the Tottenham manager isn’t exactly a fan of the international break.
The Spurs boss shared a picture of himself in the gym and wrote (with just a hint of sarcasm): “Amazing week of football. Great emotions in the national team matches, superb friendlies and total safety.
“Covid test results after matches been played, randomers running on the pitch while team sessions are taking place and much more.
“After another training session with only 6 players, it is now time to take care of myself.”
Let’s be honest, we’re all delighted it’s over so the Premier League can return, especially when you’ve got a game like Tottenham vs Man City – LIVE on talkSPORT this Saturday.
Both teams, however, will be feeling the effects of a gruelling international break, with injuries and positive COVID tests galore.
Nonetheless, there could be key players returning on both sides, making for a mouth-watering clash. This one rarely disappoints.
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How Tottenham should line-up
Spurs will be without Matt Doherty after the Republic of Ireland full-back tested positive for coronavirus on international duty.
Doherty was pictured hugging Tottenham teammate Gareth Bale after the clash with Wales, but thankfully the Welshman has tested negative.
Bale started for Spurs during the 1-0 victory over West Brom and continued his return to full fitness during the international break, so expect him to start.
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Heung-min Son was forced to self-isolate while away with South Korea due to an outbreak of COVID among his teammates, although the forward did not catch it himself and remains available for Saturday.
Steven Bergwijn has a chance of being involved despite being sent home from Netherlands duty with an injury, while Erik Lamela and Tanguy Ndombele are both in contention after recovering from foot problems.Harr
Harry Kane will look to continue his fine start to the season – the 27-year-old has already been directly involved in 23 goals in all competitions for Spurs and is fit and raring to go again.
How Man City should line-up
For Pep Guardiola, he has a few injury concenrs with Raheem Sterling suffering a problem while away with England and it’s 50/50 whether he will play.
Nathan Ake also got injured while playing for Holland, joining Benjamin Mendy and Fernandinho in the treatment room, while Oleksandr Zinchenko was part of the Ukraine squad placed into quarantine by Swiss officials, casting doubt over his availability.
However, City could get a major boost in the form of Sergio Aguero, who used the international break to continue his recovery from injury.
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While he may not be able to start, Guardiola will be tempted to bring him on early, following Gabriel Jesus’ long journey back from South America this week.
Ferran Torres, meanwhile, will be full of confidence going into this having hit a hat-trick for Spain in their 6-0 demolition of Germany in the international break.
Should Sterling miss out, Torres and Riyad Mahrez – who scored an outstanding goal for Algeria on Monday – will take the wing spots.
Phil Foden scored twice for England in midweek, but may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Ilkay Gundogan likely to get the nod in central midfield alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of Tottenham vs Manchester City on Saturday, kick-off 5.30pm. Download the talkSPORT app here.
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