No Lyon reunion for Spurs´ Lloris

Brad Friedel will start Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League clash with Lyon ahead of Hugo Lloris, according to manager Andre Villas-Boas.

France international Lloris left Lyon on the final day of the transfer window in August to move to White Hart Lane and has gradually overtaken Friedel as first choice shot-stopper at Spurs.

Friedel has only made two appearances in 2013, both in the FA Cup, but Villas-Boas has confirmed the American will continue in non-Premier League games, denying Lloris an appearance against his ex team-mates.

“You’ve seen us do exactly the opposite in the Europa League in the past – particularly with Hugo when Brad was playing – and most likely Brad is going to be in goal,” Villas-Boas said.

“It’s a decision we have already taken.

“Obviously we know that this tie represents a lot to Hugo on a personal level because it is against his old club, but I think out of respect for Brad, and the confidence we have in him and what he’s been doing, we will continue to apply exactly the same principle as we applied in the past and rotate the goalkeeper.”

The Portuguese manager also revealed on Wednesday that Tom Huddlestone is unavailable to face the Ligue 1 side.

“(Jermain) Defoe is going to be out, further to our long-term injuries with Younes (Kaboul) and Sandro.

“Tom Huddlestone is going to be out of the game due to some minor pain in the knee. We hope to have most of the players available and free for selection.”