Mauricio Pochettino: Dele Alli should be more cautious over injuries

Tottenham are now without Alli, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen for their match with Cardiff City

Dele Alli will miss Tottenham's match against Cardiff (Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino has told Dele Alli to take more responsibility in managing his body after a hamstring niggle returned to the Tottenham midfielder against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Pochettino claimed that Alli suffered the initial injury, which will keep him out of this weekend's fixture against Cardiff City, on international duty last month when England played against Spain.

"Being honest, I think he felt from the beginning a problem but carried on playing.

"Players always push to play because they want to play. For some it looks like 'if I am on the bench it is a dishonour - me, on the bench? I want to play even though I am tired'."You expect and hope that all the players learn if they make a mistake.

"You need to be more critical with yourself and to be honest it is a more difficult thing to find today in football."

Mauricio Pochettino wants his players to be more responsible for their injuries (Getty)

Tottenham’s squad are injury riven after their gruelling 4-2 defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday with key players Jan Vertonghen, Christian Eriksen and now Alli all out this weekend.

Pochettino also criticised the lack of concern from national sides in managing player's injuries as well as the congested fixtures list which will see Tottenham play their second game in just four games.

"Football is massive business and it's not easy and the football business today does not care about the player, it's all about games, games, games.

"I understand the national team wants their best players, always. The problem is always for the clubs. It's so difficult for the clubs.

"Our position is to understand the players, the national team, understand FIFA, UEFA, VAR, referees but who understands us? It's so difficult."