The midfielder had to miss last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League due to illness.

When asked if he expected to have the number 8 available for the trip to Spurs, Slot said at a press conference on Tuesday morning: “He wasn’t there yesterday. If he’s there today, I would doubt he’ll be available for the starting XI game.

“But hopefully he’ll be there today. He wasn’t yesterday.”

On the possibility of rotating his squad for the trip to Spurs, the head coach added: “I think if you look at all the games we’ve had this season, there are so many things that go into a lineup – short term, long term, qualities of the opponent, where are my players?

“So in our opinion it will always be a decision about the best line-up for tomorrow. In some situations, away games at Southampton or other games, I think the best lineup was the one that didn’t start much.

“Let’s see what kind of game we play against Tottenham tomorrow.”