Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Dembele wants to be handed starts against both Anderlecht on Thursday and then Arsenal on Sunday, despite still feeling his way back after an injury layoff.

The Belgium international has seen his season interrupted by injury, but insists he now feels in good shape and able to tackle games against Anderlecht and Arsenal in quick succession.




Speaking to Belgian daily DH, Dembele admitted that he has felt the impact of playing a series of matches, but still feels able to play in the next two games, saying: "I was injured for a month and a half.

"I've felt the succession of matches, but I would like to start the game against Anderlecht and then against Arsenal this weekend."
 


First up for Spurs is Anderlecht in the Europa League tomorrow evening and Dembele is eyeing a measure of revenge following a 2-1 defeat in Belgium in the reverse fixture.

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However, the midfielder insists Spurs must be fully focused on beating Anderlecht as the Belgian giants are able to raise their game against bigger clubs.

"We got trapped in a way", he said, referring to the first game between the two sides.

"In leading 1-0, we thought that we would easily win 3-0, but the equaliser gave Anderlecht wings.

"They are a team that can lose against small teams and win against great teams.

"On Thursday, we play at home. If we stay focused, we must beat Anderlecht, it's as simple as that", Dembele added.