Mauricio Pochettino claims Kyle Walker-Peters is NOT ready to make his Tottenham debut if first-choice right-back Kieran Trippier is crocked
Spurs chief is sweating on Trippier's fitness for Sunday's clash at Newcastle as it might be 'too much' too soon for his stand-in
MAURICIO POCHETTINO says Kyle Walker-Peters is NOT ready to make his Spurs debut on Sunday if Kieran Trippier is crocked.
The Tottenham boss is sweating on Trippier’s fitness after he was injured in their 2-0 friendly win over Juventus on Saturday.
Rookie Walker-Peters, 20, is his only other recognised right-back following near-namesake Kyle Walker’s £50million move to Manchester City.
But ahead of their Prem opener at Newcastle, Poch said: “He is still so young and I think it’s too much for him.
“He’s a player who needs to work with us and maybe play in different games.
“But we cannot think of only him if Kieran is weeks away from the team. We’re working to find a solution.”
Trippier, 26, limped off just before half-time against Italian giants Juve at Wembley having twisted his right ankle in a challenge with Alex Sandro.
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The former Burnley ace left the ground on crutches and undergoes a scan today to determine the extent of the injury.
If he is ruled out of their trip to St James’ Park, Poch could restore Eric Dier to right-back.
The England star, 23, played there before becoming a defensive midfielder or centre-back.
Alternatively, Poch could go with three at the back and play Moussa Sissoko in the right wing-back role against his former club.
The 27-year-old France midfielder, who arrived from Toon for £30m last summer, had said he wanted to quit Spurs having failed to establish himself last season.
But he could yet stick around after impressing in pre-season. Poch has also not ruled out dipping into the transfer market to buy another right-back to rival Trippier long term.
He said: “I think last season it was a big challenge between him and Kyle Walker.
“Now, if we decide to sign another full-back, it’s all about the challenge and who we decide to play in every single game.
“You need more strength in your squad if you are to fight for everything. You need competition.”
Argentine Pochettino also explained his decision to make a u-turn and let England Under-20s midfielder Josh Onomah leave the club on loan to Aston Villa.
The Tottenham boss said: “Every six months we need to review every situation but after the U20 World Cup he wants to play.
“There are lots of rumours about where he can play on the pitch and that’s a problem.
“Now he needs to play at Villa and prove to himself, and everyone else, that he can play, so he will be useful to Tottenham.”
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