Spurs gifted “major boost” ahead of Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have been gifted a huge boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea this afternoon…

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As revealed by The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare, manager Antonio Conte is expected to welcome back central defender Eric Dier to the squad following injury in what has been described as a “major boost.”

“Major boost for #THFC with Eric Dier back for Chelsea game. Son and Romero expected to return after intl break,” he tweeted ahead of the encounter.

The 28-year-old has not featured for the Lilywhites since their New Years Day victory over Watford but has now returned to training and is in contention to start against the Champions of Europe at Stamford Bridge today.

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Major boost

This will certainly come as a major source of encouragement for the Italian head coach as Dier has been one of his most trustworthy options since arriving in north London back in November.

“Eric Dier can become one of the best players in the world in that position,’ Conte told reporters ahead of their Carabao Cup quarter-final with West Ham (via the Daily Mail).

“This role is perfect for him. He has to continue this way because he can become one of the best central defenders,” he would later add.

Indeed, the England international played a starring role in that win but was absent for their two-legged semi-final against today’s opponents, in which his leadership and experience were sorely missed.

Spurs are on the cusp of breaking into the top four and they need players like Dier available to bolster their chances.

His involvement would also see Davinson Sanchez revert back to the right-hand side of defence, where he has looked far more comfortable under Conte in his back-three system.

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The Colombian colossus has looked a little suspect in the centre but the pressure can be taken off with the return of the Englishman today.

Dier has looked impressive under Conte, where he has proven to be an excellent ball-playing option, registering a seasonal passing accuracy of 87.1%, on top of 0.9 interceptions, 2.2 aerial duels won and 3.8 clearances per game, via WhoScored.