Tottenham may leave Erik Lamela on the bench for Saturday’s match against Stoke City as the forward will have only one training session with the team before the game.

Lamela is part of the Argentina squad who face a World Cup qualifier in Venezuela, which kicks off at 1am on Wednesday, UK time. Reports suggest he is likely to start as the team look to consolidate their advantage at the top of the South American group.

Tottenham expect Lamela, who is now a key man for the club after a difficult start, back later on Thursday but he has a flight of at least 10 hours ahead after the game.

That could mean a full debut for new £30million signing Moussa Sissoko.

The France international arrived in the final moments of transfer deadline day as Spurs swooped to enhance their midfield options with the acquisition of the Newcastle United man.