Match Preview: KAA Gent Vs Tottenham

Tottenham will still be without Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela for the Europa League round of 32 first leg at Gent.

Rose has not played since 31 January because of a knee injury, while Lamela remains sidelined with a hip problem.

Defender Vertonghen (ankle) could return for the FA Cup game against Fulham on Sunday but Thursday’s match in Belgium comes too soon.

“Jan is close and we’re very happy,” said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

“Danny Rose is on plan, he’s very positive, a good reaction after his injury. Erik Lamela is building step by step, positive too.

“We’re happy with the way they are training.”

Both teams come into the game off the back of a defeat, with Spurs having lost 2-0 at Liverpool last Saturday, on the same day that Gent were beaten 1-0 at home by Eupen.

However, while Pochettino’s side remain in Champions League contention in third place in the Premier League, Gent are down in eighth in the Belgian top flight.

Spurs have never won a game in Belgium, having drawn two and lost two of their previous four fixtures.

Gent boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck said: “The game will be very difficult. We play against not only a team from the Premier League which is already an impressive league, but secondly a team that is fighting to win the Premier League.

“They did maybe not the best thing losing to Liverpool but that can happen. It’s a team that plays very good football and has a lot of quality in every line. It will be a very hard task for us.

“We are Gent and we are not afraid of anybody,”

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