Joao Moutinho returns for Monaco vs Tottenham clash as Leonardo Jardim targets victory

Joao Moutinho has handed Monaco a major boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night (22 November), returning after a month out with injury as part of a 20-man squad led by the in-form Radamel Falcao. Meanwhile, Leonardo Jardim has warned Spurs that his side are out for the victory, even though a point will be enough to see them qualify for the knockout stage.

The Ligue 1 side currently sit top of Group E ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, having secured eight points from the first four games. That includes a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the reverse fixture played at Wembley in September.

Spurs, meanwhile, have only got four points from four games and another defeat would mean an early goodbye to the competition should Bayer Leverkusen beat CSKA Moscow.

Monaco arrive to the game in top confidence after winning their last three games in all competitions. But Jardim also has good news from the treatment room as Moutinho is available to face Tottenham following a long spell on the sidelines. The Portugal international is yet to play since suffering an injury during the Champions League draw at CSKA on 18 October.

Monaco have confirmed the news via their official website, adding that Nabil Dirar will miss the game due to family reasons.

Elsewhere, Jardim has hailed the return to form of Falcao, with the former Manchester United and Chelsea flop scoring five goals in his last three appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

"Falcao is a great player. I'm happy he's with us. He's a top professional and a top player, as he's been showing in the league and in the Champions League," the Monaco boss said, adding that his side will try to secure all the three points.

"We've told the players it's important to play our game and go for the win, to avoid thinking about playing for a draw – that could be dangerous for us. The key is to play with our heads and show great heart."

Tottenham have their own attacking threat in Harry Kane, with the England international netting three goals in two games since returning from injury, including a late brace against West Ham to help Spurs to a dramatic 3-2 victory at the weekend.

"We're playing against a team that needs to win. I think Tottenham are a better team with Kane in their side," Jardim admitted. "He's a player with a lot of quality. They have a lot of quality players throughout in all the areas, though. The most important for them is the team."