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MAURICIO POCHETTINO confirmed Dele Alli's suspected hamstring problem and said it "did not look great".

Alli went down clutching the back of his left leg late in the 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday and appeared in despair when taking his seat on the bench.

 Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Dele Alli had a hamstring problem
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Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Dele Alli had a hamstring problemCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Poch now faces Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea without his England international, as well as the injured Harry Kane.

The Spurs chief said: ";We need to assess him but it is a hamstring and we need to be careful. It does not look great.

"On the pitch, we all agree that when he put his hand on his hamstring, it is a situation where you feel the pull. It is not great to see that."

Pochettino takes his team to Stamford Bridge this week with a 1-0 aggregate lead from the League Cup first leg.

 Pochettino has a growing injury list with Harry Kane already out until March
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Pochettino has a growing injury list with Harry Kane already out until MarchCredit: AFP or licensors
 Tottenham's day improved when Harry Winks netted a 93rd-minute winner
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Tottenham's day improved when Harry Winks netted a 93rd-minute winnerCredit: Getty Images - Getty

And the Argentine coach already knows he will be without captain Kane until at least March after damaging ankle ligaments.

With Son Heung-min on international duty at the Asia Cup, Poch will have his fingers crossed over Alli's fitness but he insisted other players will step up.

Pochettino added: "It is not a worry. It is a massive opportunity for a different player to play.  We go to Chelsea expecting to win and it is important - the belief we have to try and win the game. "Lucas Moura is ready to help the team from the bench or maybe from the beginning."

Fulham 1-2 Tottenham - Harry Winks completes comeback with dramatic last-gasp winner for Spurs after Fernando Llorente own goal
 Pochettino praised the work of Winks and substitute Georges-Kevin N'Koudou
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Pochettino praised the work of Winks and substitute Georges-Kevin N'KoudouCredit: Reuters

Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, Alli's replacement, took his chance by teeing up Harry Winks for a dramatic late winner at the Cottage.

Poch praised the duo, saying: "It was fantastic for G-K N'Koudou, his first game of the season in Premier League.

"The action was brilliant. After 93 minutes Harry Winks recovered the ball in a deeper position and he believed and arrived to the box.

"The cross was fantastic from N'Koudou and he arrived with the determination to score."

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