Danny Rose likely to miss Tottenham's clash against Stoke City

Tottenham Hotspur could be without Danny Rose for their clash against Stoke City on Saturday (10 September) after the defender picked up an injury while on international duty. The Spurs left-back played the entire 90 minutes of England's 1-0 win over Slovakia in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier game, but suffered a minor knock during the game, which is likely to keep him out of the game at the weekend.

The London Evening Standard reports that the English defender is likely to be absent for the north London club's visit to the Britannia Stadium, but could also miss Tottenham's first Champions League game against Monaco on Wednesday (14 September).

Rose has established himself as the first choice left-back for both club and country with impressive performances last season and his absence for two key games will come as a big blow to Mauricio Pochettino. The Englishman's absence is likely to see Ben Davies come back into the starting lineup for the upcoming games.

The Wales international defender started last season as the White Hart Lane outfit's first choice at left-back but lost his place to Rose midway through the campaign. The absence of his colleague will provide him an opportunity to impress the Argentine manager and nail down a regular place in the starting XI.

Tottenham, meanwhile, could be handed a boost ahead of their game against Mark Hughes' team with Hugo Lloris hopeful of making a comeback following a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. The French goalkeeper suffered the injury on the opening day of the Premier League campaign, and could return this weekend after stepping up his recovery during the international break.

"I'm working hard to get back fit and it's like a new pre-season for me but it's good," Lloris told the club's official website.

"This week is important because unfortunately I couldn't go to the national team so it gives me one more week to prepare myself to be fit hopefully for next week.

"I feel very good. I need to go step-by-step but my feeling is great," the France international added.