Published: 12 November, 2015
by DAN CARRIER

MIDFIELD maestro Mousa Dembele has withdrawn from his national side’s squad this week after suffering severe bruising in training. 

Dembele, who has played his way back into Mauricio Pochettino’s first team with some barnstorming performances, was training with Belgium but has since returned home after suffering a knock on his calf. 

The 28-year-old, who put in a brilliant display during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with north London rivals Arsenal, had been due to face Italy in a friendly on Friday.

 But the injury now means he faces a race to be fit for the clash against West Ham at White Hart Lane next weekend. 

Meanwhile, with Tottenham sitting fifth in the Premier League, and on an unbeaten run stretching back to the opening day of the season, former Spur Jermaine Jenas has told players to “aim for the very top”. 

Spurs have drawn six games – the most out of any Premiership side – and Jenas believes they were all winnable. 

The player-turned-pundit added: “Pochettino needs to get the mentality into his players’ heads that they are a top side who could actually win the league, rather than just finish fourth.

“They’re only five points off the top. Man City are looking strong, but it’s not like Chelsea last season, or Manchester United in years gone by, where you think they can’t be caught. 

“Spurs look so strong and well-prepared.”