UCL: Inter Milan v Tottenham preview

Inter Milan v Tottenham preview

Tottenham open their Champions League campaign at Inter Milan on Tuesday looking to banish the opinion that they lack the steel to win silverware.

Both Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris remain out for Mauricio Pochettino's side, however, having missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Liverpool in the Premier League at Wembley.

Pochettino has also left Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld out of his squad "for technical reasons".

Asked if Tripper and Alderweireld were injured, Pochettino said: "It was a technical decision. You can find it in the dictionary, technical decision. Maybe tactical also on the pitch, yes, it's tactical too.

"But it's a technical decision. You cannot bring 25 players and can only play 11 and seven on the bench. That is the reason."

After winning their opening three games of the season, Spurs go to the San Siro having lost the last two, while Inter sit 15th in Serie A with just four points from four games.

Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti believes Harry Kane will be the man to watch but hopes the enthusiasm of returning to "the Disneyland of football" will spur on his side.

Against the backdrop of a disastrous start to their domestic campaign, Inter host the English club at a sold-out San Siro in what is their first Champions League match since the 2011/12 season.

"Harry Kane tired? I don't agree, we have seen Tottenham matches and we have seen him working in any situation. Tottenham rely a lot on this player."

Alli's hamstring injury keeps him out of the trip to Milan, while captain and goalkeeper Lloris still has a thigh problem.

Midfielder Moussa Sissoko will also be out due to a hamstring injury.

Inter will give a late assessment to defender Danilo D'Ambrosio, but Sime Vrsaljko is out with a knee injury.

Spalletti added: "Some players are not feeling at their best, but we have other options and all that is needed to play this match to the best of our ability."