Thomas Frank explains why he dropped ‘fantastic’ player vs Wolves

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When the starting line-up for Spurs’ clash with Wolves was released, one omission stood out straight away.

Before the game, Thomas Frank was asked about his starting XI, as Spurs look to take second place in the Premier League table.

They face a Wolves side yet to score a point this season, so the expectation is for a comfortable home win.

But should Spurs fail to get the desired result, questions may be asked about the decision to leave a starring player this season on the bench.

Pedro Porro left on the bench for Wolves tie

Frank selected a strong line-up to host Vitor Pereira’s bottom-placed side, but he chose to start Djed Spence at right-back in place of stat-monster Pedro Porro.

When asked about the omission, Frank responded: “Pedro’s been fantastic for us. Pedro’s a fantastic important player for us, but it’s about how we can find that perfect balance with a little rotation, a little freshness.

“I’ve got three very good full-backs, how can I use them in the best possible way?”

In fairness, he’s right. All three of Spurs’ full-backs start for most Premier League sides. Spence was outstanding last season on both flanks. He deserves minutes.

But Porro offers creativity and set-piece threat that the Englishman can’t replicate. If the game is a cagey affair and Spurs struggle to break down a struggling Wolves defence, the Spaniard should surely be introduced.

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Pape Matar Sarr ready to make an impact

For the Doncaster game, Sarr was rested as a precaution, as he had been experiencing thigh issues.

But Frank has confirmed he’s available again, and could be brought on to punish tired legs in the Wolves midfield later in the game.

He said: “Yes. He’s ready so that’s very positive. I said on Wednesday after Doncaster that it was just a precaution, so he’s ready.”

Spurs need to press on in the second half and get an early goal. Otherwise, it could become a tricky situation, with Wolves sitting back, desperate to find their first point of the season.

Porro could come on and make a difference. He may feel he has a point to prove.