Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Harry Winks is in doubt to play for England during their upcoming friendly internationals during Germany and Brazil.
This came after Winks twisted his ankle during Spurs 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace this weekend. He had to be replaced during half-time by Moussa Dembele.
Speaking after Spurs victory over Palace, Pochettino said: “He twisted his ankle. It’s a little bit painful. We must assess him with our medical staff and with the national team medical staff too. He’s so excited to play for the national team. I don’t know (if he can play). It’s about him and both (teams of) medical staff.
“Dele Alli against Manchester United finished the game feeling his posterior tendon, close to the hamstring, and then played 90 minutes against Real Madrid.
“It’s a very, very, very small thing. It was a massive risk (to play him) again. We’re sure he’ll be ready for Arsenal (after the international break). We hope he’s going well in the next few weeks and will be available.”
Winks would have been pushing to be included in the England squad that travels to the 2018 World Cup and this will certainly be a blow to him.
With Dele Alli having to also withdraw from the latest England squad, the absence of Winks will further reduce the options that Gareth Southgate has.