Tottenham XI vs KF Shkendija: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, latest injuries for Europa League clash

Jose Mourinho has laid down the gauntlet for Dele Alli by challenging the 24-year-old to perform against KF Shkendija on Thursday, so it would only be fair if the 24-year-old returns to the XI, having been left out of the squad for the last two matches.

Mourinho is not taking the Europa League qualifiers lightly, but the cancellation of Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Leyton Orient may prompt the Tottenham boss to rotate his side more than originally planned in North Macedonia.

Joe Hart was in line for his Spurs debut at Brisbane Road, so may be given a chance ahead of Hugo Lloris, while Serge Aurier is also pushing for his first start of the season, even while his future remains uncertain.

Sergio Reguilon is not part of the squad, so Ben Davies is likely to continue at left-back, leaving the Spaniard free to face Newcastle on Sunday.

Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso are both struggling to play 90 minutes at present, so the likelihood is that Mourinho will start the Frenchman on Thursday and save Lo Celso for the weekend.

Harry Kane has to play, according to Mourinho at least, while he remains the club's only recognised centre-forward but the manager's other trusted forwards, Lucas Moura and Heung-min Son, will surely be rested.

image

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Hart; Aurier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Davies; Winks, Ndombele; Lamela, Dele, Bergwijn; Kane

Read more

KF Shkendija vs Tottenham preview: Team news, prediction, how to watch

Mourinho 'convinced' Dele Alli won't leave Tottenham

New Tottenham training pictures show Dele and Reguilon in action