Cristian Stellini has hinted that Pedro Porro could make his Tottenham Hotspur debut against Manchester City on Sunday.
“I really wanted to come here.”
Watch Pedro Porro's first interview as a Spurs player! 🗣 pic.twitter.com/8gMRLpZmEg
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 31, 2023
The Spanish right-back joined Spurs on a permanent deal on deadline day after his 45milion Euro release clause was met.
Moreover, his competition has been reduced. Matt Doherty was allowed to join Atletico Madrid permanently last month while Djed Spence has been loaned out to Stade Rennais.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Stellini was asked if Porro will play against the Cityzens. He replied (h/t Football.London): “Could be. He is young but he has great experience. He plays in a similar system we use to play and he is available. We can use him in two days.”
“We have another training session. He can improve, he is a great player, technically he is a good player and we were impressed by his performance against us. We know very well him.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Porro and went on to label him as a ‘good signing for Spurs’:
“Perfect to play five at the back, last season we suffer when we played Sporting. A good signing for Spurs.”
Pedro Porro faces fiercy competition from Emerson Royal, who scored against City at the Etihad two weeks ago, to start against his boyhood club Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Conte and assistant Cristian Stellini, who will pick the team together, also face a big decision at left wing-back, with Ryan Sessegnon struggling for form and confidence but Ivan Perisic guilty of three mistakes leading to goals in City’s 4-2 win, 15 days ago.
Sessegnon could get the nod, despite struggling to make an impact against Championship side Preston in the FA Cup last weekend.
The rest of Conte’s team picks itself, with Heung-min Son back among the goals against Preston and new signing Arnaut Danjuma expected to be on the bench again after scoring as a substitute at Deepdale.
Brazilian forwards Richarlison and Lucas Moura are available after injury but are likely to be among the subs.
