Tottenham have defensive problems as they seek to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie against Benfica. Younes Kaboul is suffering from an unspecified injury, while fellow centre-backs Vlad Chiriches, Michael Dawson and Jan Vertonghen are also out. Defensive midfielder Sandro might have to play as a makeshift centre-back. England right-back Kyle Walker may also miss the trip to Portugal because of a groin complaint. Trouble comes in threes Jorge Jesus and Tim Sherwood Jorge Jesus claimed that his three-fingered celebration at White Hart Lane was in reference to goalscorer Luisao, however the Brazilian wears the number four shirt. Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood said: Coming over here without a centre-back will be difficult, players will be playing out of position. It is not a time though to blood young players in this game - it could be very tough for them. It is a very tough task - we are going to do our best with the players we have brought. We hope to have a threat on the break. We were disappointed to have conceded from two set-pieces in the first leg, but we are going to give it a good go. Sherwood confronted Benfica counterpart Jorge Jesus on the sidelines at White Hart Lane after the Portuguese celebrated his sides third goal by raising three fingers towards the Spurs bench. The pair did not shake hands on the final whistle and Sherwood subsequently accused Jesus of lacking class. Jesus insists that he has put the incident behind him and blamed the proximity of the two teams technical areas in England. Other coaches in England have had similar problems like Sir Alex Ferguson, Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, he said. It is normal because the benches are too close together. What is important here is that were not going to start trying to get in more problems, it is water under the bridge.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 08:18:48 +0000
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