Jose Mourinho said he was “convinced” midfielder Dele Alli will still be at Tottenham when the transfer window closes next month, challenging the England international to prove his worth.
The midfielder, who has been left out of the past two games, has been linked with a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain in recent days.
But he will travel to North Macedonia for Thursday’s Europa League third-round qualifying clash against Shkendija.
When asked if he expected Alli to stay, Mourinho told Sky Sports on Wednesday: “I believe, I can even say I am convinced, that he will be.”
The Portuguese added in a press conference previewing the game: “I always told (you) that he will have his opportunities, that (there’s) no problem at all to have him and, like every other player, performances are very important.
“He’s coming, he has a chance to play and it will be important for him to perform. It will be important for him and every other player when the squad becomes competitive in many positions. It’s important for every player on the pitch to have an answer and perform.”
Alli has struggled for consistency over the past two years. He has lost his England place and is under even greater pressure at Spurs following the arrival of Gareth Bale on loan from Real Madrid.