Pochettin will have to rotate more

I have discussed the fact that fatigue causes injuries, particularly muscle injuries and I think we saw the evidence of that against Sunderland.

The Wembley surface is larger, it isn't of the same quality as White Hart Lane and is a different grass, which is more sapping, then there is the emotional side that fatigues. Game time between Champions League and Premier League is going to have to be carefully managed or we could have a problem.

Playing three games in eight days is asking for trouble. A Premier League game followed by a Champions League game then another Premier League game simply puts a strain on the body and there is a massively increased risk of a hamstring or calf injury or even worse a groin injury.

Dembele isn't yet fully match fit and he came off, Eric Dier came off, Toby Alderweireld managed to play through and Kane twisted his ankle. The realisation that players are not robots now puts pressure on our squad to perform.

There isn't too much of a problem at full-back where Trippier ably deputised last season with Ben Davies on the other side. The two centre-backs will need to be managed a little more than last season perhaps. Cameron Carter-Vickers will start against Gillingham as should Kevin Wimmer. They have to see more Premier League time than was originally expected.

We have midfield players and can rotate them, Christian Eriksen was rested after his Man of the Match display against Stoke City the previous week. He is getting some rest in ahead of the next Premier League, Champions League, Premier League trio.

Janssen needs a goal, which will make a difference to his whole game. He is understandably anxious to prove himself, this is a big step up from Division 2 in Holland where he was playing 16 months ago. He is normally a good passer of the ball but against Monaco, with an easy pass on to put Moussa Sissoko though on his own, he over hit the pass.

He is just trying to blast the ball as hard as he can when a chance comes at the moment and he isn't used to having so few chances where being clinical counts. He gets that at international level but he is a newcomer to that too, a successful one mind you.

Pochettino needs him settled, he needs him t get a goal for his confidence and then he can be trusted a little more in the Premier League. Depending upon the Kane injury, he may be asked to play three games in eight days and miss the League Cup tie or he may be asked to play all four.

To make matters worse, one is an away trip to Russia, so the body won't recover in the same way. It will be interesting to see how Pochettino handles this period, as this is all new to him too.

Wednesday - Gillingham (h)
Saturday - Middlesbrough (h)
Tuesday - CSKA Moscow (a)
Sunday - Manchester City (h)

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