Lucas Moura could lead Tottenham’s attack against Chelsea in the second-leg of their EFL Cup semi-final clash.
Spurs head to Stamford Bridge with a one goal advantage but will be without Harry Kane and Heung-min Son for their most important match of the season so far.
Llorente started up front for Spurs in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Fulham but struggled to impose himself on the game. Dele Alli, one of the club’s few remaining goal threats, was also forced off injured with a hamstring injury.
Llorente’s only notable contribution came at the wrong end when he diverted past Hugo Lloris to give Fulham a first-half lead but Pochettino praised the Spaniard after the final whistle.
“He helped the team with his qualities, he had a few chances to score and might have been a bit unlucky. He is a little bit tired after 90 minutes,” Pochettino said.
“I was so happy with his performance, he helped the team in 93 minutes. He had a few actions to score, that is the most important thing. In games the moment will arrive for him to score.”
Pochettino did suggest however he could turn to Moura to act as a makeshift centre forward at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
The Brazilian has missed his side’s last three matches due to a knee injury but will be considered if he can prove his fitness.
“It is not a worry [being without Kane and Son]. It’s an opportunity for other players. We are going to be there [against Chelsea] trying to win the game. It is going to be tough because Chelsea are a very good team.
“I hope that Lucas Moura is going to be good. He was training today at the training ground but today we didn’t want to take a risk with him so we will wait until he is 100 per cent. Maybe for the bench, maybe he will start the game.
(Evening Standard)
