Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham’s Dele Alli has to be nursed through games as he comes near the end of a tough first season in the Premier League.

The teenager has been a sensation for Spurs this season since arriving from MK Dons and he seems set to play a role for England at Euro 2016 in France this summer.

Pochettino says Alli is fighting ankle and knee injuries at the moment. He played 90 minutes against Arsenal on Saturday but had previously been rested during the midweek defeat to West Ham.

“He is an incredible athlete, yes, but he is not a machine,” said Pochettino.

“He has a problem in his ankle and knee. He was good before the game but the players are not machines.”

are fighting for the Premier League title this season but Pochettino would not rule out resting Alli again before the season is finished.

He says the club are doing whatever they can to safeguard the future of their promising youngsters.

He told reporters: “We have a lot of players who are young and in their first or second season in the Premier League.

“It’s very tough and we spend a lot of time analysing and to find information to give the best training sessions or recovery, or to find the best way to help them.”

Alli’s rise at Tottenham has coincided with the player winning four England caps and there has been plenty support for him to be included in Roy Hodgson’s starting team in France come June. England are 11.00 to win Euro 2016.