RB Leipzig vs Tottenham: Dele Alli insists Spurs cannot ‘get the violins out’ despite injury crisis

Jose Mourinho lost Steven Bergwijn ahead of the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie

Dele Alli insists Spurs will not feel sorry for themselves (AFP)

Dele Alli insists Tottenham Hotspur cannot feel sorry for themselves despite their injury crisis ahead of tonight’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig.

Steven Bergwijn’s ankle injury, alongside Ben Davies’s ongoing hamstring trouble mean Jose Mourinho’s options are limited for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

With Harry Kane, Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-min proving key losses to Spurs in recent weeks, the task appears to be enormous in overturning the 1-0 deficit.

But Alli remains upbeat and is not concentrating on the recent setbacks, instead focusing on the required mindset to hit back in the tie.

“It’s obviously very disappointing. But this isn’t a time to get the violins out, we have to step up,” Alli said ahead of the game at the Red Bull Arena.

Dele Alli insists Spurs will not feel sorry for themselves (AFP)

“We have to deal with these situations. It’s all a part of it, as disappointing as it is. But we have to show our character now as a team, the depth that we have in the squad.

“The players that maybe haven’t been playing as much need to come through and show why they’re here, take their opportunity.

“We have been in situations probably worse than this when we have had to turn it around and we have done that.

“It’s going to be a tough game ... but we have to go into the game with a very positive attitude.”

Alli admits it is encouraging to see Kane stepping up his comeback though, with the Spurs skipper seen participating in training drills on Monday.

“Harry is an amazing athlete and professional and obviously he has picked up a few injuries since I have been there and every time he recovers very well and you can see how motivated and dedicated he is,” Alli added.

“And to see him out there running, I wasn’t surprised because he works so hard every day. And, yeah, it is obviously a massive boost.

“Even when he is coming to watch the games, he is always speaking and trying to motivate everyone, which is good.

“He is a real leader, so to see him back out there and, as a player, obviously last season I had a few hamstring injuries, so it is a bit of a weird one because I don’t want him to rush it, because I know how much it [the injury] can come back.

“But, at the same time, we need him as well. So, as long as he just takes the recovery properly and he comes back strong, then I will be happy.”