Poch blow as Tottenham player continues to struggle with influenza, could miss Burnley match

 

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf report Vincent Janssen’s influenza has struck the Tottenham striker down so much that medical staff ruled out his chances of being available to face Italy tonight in a friendly.

Janssen was already ruled out of the Netherlands World Cup Qualifier against Bulgaria, a match the country somehow lost 2-0. It was the latest in a growing line of setbacks for the Dutch national team, and it’s hard to argue against the decision to fire Danny Blind.

Struggling to make an impact in his first season at Tottenham, Janssen found a backer in Blind and will be interested to see who gets the job on a permanent basis. The Dutch coaching shake-up in recent times also saw Ruud van Nistelrooy walk away from his post, a previous blow to Janssen who had been working closely with the former Manchester United striker.

Fred Grim is the Netherlands’ interim manager and he also has a close relationship with Janssen, the two working together at Almere City.

However, De Telegraaf say flu has prevented the Tottenham player from being around for Grim’s first match. Mauricio Pochettino will be concerned ahead of Saturday’s match against Burnley, with Harry Kane’s comeback date still uncertain.