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Four key players sidelined for Mourinho’s Spurs in City cup clash
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is not expecting to make any big-money signings over the summer Picture: PA - Credit: PA
Four of Tottenham Hotspur’s major protagonists have been ruled out of the FA Cup fifth round clash against Norwich City - including goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Following three straight defeats in all competitions, Jose Mourinho will be hoping the FA Cup can provide a much needed lift to his Tottenham squad. Spurs were beaten 3-2 by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday despite leading 2-1 at half-time.
Mourinho's men beat the Canaries 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January, when Son Heung-Min netted in the 79th minute from close-range after a wicked deflection landed in his path to ensure Spurs got three points.
The South Korean has been ruled out with a fracture to his right arm and remains sidelined alongside ex-City loanee Harry Kane, who is continuing his on-field rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
Injuries are threatening to derail Spurs' quest for the top four during this campaign, although a fifth-placed finish may be enough to secure Champions League qualification next season, should Manchester City's ban from European competitions be upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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That leaves Spurs without a natural first-choice striker. 18-year-old Troy Parrott has been among those mentioned for a start, although Mourinho seems reluctant to unleash the Irish forward from the off. Of late, Spurs have deployed Lucas Moura, Dele Alli and Steven Berwijn as their core attacking options.
World Cup winning goalkeeper Lloris was absent for Sunday's defeat, and Mourinho confirmed he would miss the cup clash against City due to a groin injury.
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He missed a large portion of the opening part of the season due to a dislocated elbow he sustained against Brighton and Hove Albion in October, with Paulo Gazzaniga replacing him between the sticks. The Argentine was in goal on Sunday and looks set to get the nod again for this match.
Moussa Sissoko is another name to add to Spurs list of injuries, with the influential midfielder sidelined with the knee injury he suffered in the New Year's Day defeat to Southampton.
Erik Lamela is fit to play, although Ryan Sessegnon will be assessed ahead of kick-off.