'Too soon': Ange Postecoglou rules out key centre back for West Ham game despite being pictured in training

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says Cristian Romero is back for the game against West Ham but admitted it might be too soon to see midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.

The Senegal midfielder picked up a knock on international duty and has been sidelined since, with Spurs having to adjust in his absence. Sarr alongside Bissouma and the now-injured Maddison where the foundation on which Tottenham's strong start to the season was built.

The sending off of Cristian Romero also meant players like Dier, Emerson Royal and Ben Davies have all been utilised at the heart of the defence.

When asked about team news ahead of the game on Thursday night, manager Postecoglou said things were looking up even though Dier hadn't trained in a week.

The Spurs boss told reporters at the club's training base in Enfield: "Cristian is available. Nothing [new] from the other night and Pape is back training. Tomorrow might be too soon. Sunday I'm pretty sure he should be available. Richy got five minutes and he still feels short in his physical condition but he's back from injury and playing.

"The others it'll be a while now. With Eric Dier right now it seems that way. He hasn't trained for over a week now. It's a groin issue."

Tottenham are without a win in their last four games but will hope that they correct that when they welcome David Moyes' side who were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Postecoglou's side are looking for a fourth consecutive home win over West Ham in all competitions.