London (AFP) – Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko was only fit enough to return to the bench for the first leg of Spurs’ first Champions League semi-final since 1962 at home to Ajax on Tuesday.
Mauricio Pochettino is already without the injured Harry Kane, Erik Lamela and Harry Winks, while Son Heung-min is suspended.
However, the Argentine has insisted Spurs must grab the opportunity of a lifetime despite the draining effects of a long season on a short squad.
Pochettino’s back three of Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen all face their old side as does midfielder Christian Eriksen.
Without Kane and Son, Fernando Llorente leads the line with the support of Lucas Moura.
Ajax by contrast arrive in London injury free and have had a week to prepare after the entire Eredivisie calendar for last weekend was postponed to give them extra time to prepare.
Erik ten Hag makes just one change from the side that beat Juventus 2-1 in Turin to reach the last four for the first time since 1997 as Nicolas Tagliafico returns from suspension at left-back.
Tottenham (3-5-2)
Hugo Lloris (capt); Kieran Trippier, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Danny Rose; Victor Wanyama, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli; Lucas Moura, Fernando Llorente
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino (ARG)
Ajax (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana; Joel Veltman, Matthijs de Ligt (capt), Daley Blind, Nicolas Tagliafico; Lasse Schoene, Frenkie de Jong; Hakim Ziyech, Donny van de Beek, David Neres; Dusan Tadic
Coach: Erik Ten Hag
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
