Sunday 11 March 2018 16:36, UK
Ben Davies was left out of Tottenham's squad to face Bournemouth because of "general fatigue", according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The left-back has been in impressive form but has played in every Premier League and Champions League game for Spurs since the turn of the year.
His replacement by Danny Rose was one of two changes from the previous league game, with Eric Dier also dropping to the bench for Victor Wanyama to come in because of tiredness.
Pochettino told Sky Sports: "Ben suffered with general fatigue and wasn't ready today to play. For me, the most important is the squad. We have very good players that are all ready to compete.
"I am disappointed for him but, in another way, we have Danny Rose and he is ready, and I hope he has an amazing game.
"It's similar to Ben (with Eric Dier). The most important thing is to try to take the best decision when players are fresh. Then 24 players have capacity to be involved.
"I hope that we are ready to compete. I think we are. It will be a tough game but if we want to keep our position in the table then we need the three points.
"It's about our mental condition and the way we face the game from the beginning. Bournemouth are doing well, great coaches, they run a lot and play football. It will be a massive battle."
