Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Tottenham midfielder Nigeria’s Dele Alli played all 90 minutes of Saturday’s north London derby against Arsenal despite struggling with ankle and knee injuries.
The England international played a key role in the home side’s second goal, scored by striker Harry Kane, during the 2-2 Premier League draw at White Hart Lane.
Alli had started the previous league fixture against West Ham on the bench before coming on as a second-half substitute, although he was unable to do anything to stop his team slipping to a 1-0 defeat.
Pochettino admits the club are taking care not to push the teenager beyond his limits as they enter a crucial stage of the season.
“He is an incredible athlete, yes, but he is not a machine,” Pochettino said of Alli.
“He has a problem in his ankle and knee. He was good before the game but the players are not machines.”
The former Southampton manager confirmed he is always monitoring the physical state of his squad, particularly with Tottenham still participating in Europe, too.
