Tottenham have been handed a big boost ahead of their clash against London rivals Chelsea on Thursday.
Telegraph journalist Matt Law has claimed that striker Gonzalo Higuain has not been registered in time for the midday deadline that would have enabled him to play against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The AC Milan striker is in London for a medical but will not make his debut at Stamford Bridge in the cup.
Instead, Law claims, the focus will be on getting him ready to play with his new teammates.
Law made the claim on his personal Twitter page on Wednesday lunchtime.
Yet to be confirmed but I hear Chelsea have not made the midday deadline for Higuain to be registered in time to play against Tottenham. Focus will now be on getting him used to his team-mates in prep for the rest of the season. Sure Sarri will be asked at 1pm. #cfc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) January 23, 2019
OPINION
Tottenham fans will breathe a sigh of relief over this news, with Higuain set to be a major force for Chelsea this season. Spurs have got huge attacking problems of their own with all three first choices unavailable for the Carabao Cup semi-final. Harry Kane and Dele Alli have both been ruled out until March with injury, while Son Heung-min is currently away with South Korea at the Asian Cup. Tottenham hold a 1-0 lead going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge and there’s probably not a better time to play Chelsea after this Higuain news. Maurizio Sarri publicly criticised his players last week after a 2-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal and Spurs will be confident that they’ll have enough to progress to the final against Man City.