Tottenham prepare to ensure top spot in Europa League group with win over Monaco as Nabil Bentaleb and Nacer Chadli return but Moussa Dembele sits out training

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Moussa Dembele was absent from Tottenham's training session on Wednesday as they prepared for their Europa League match against Monaco.

Nabil Bentaleb has been suffering from an ankle injury, but looks set to make a comeback after being able to take part in the session with the rest of the squad. So too Nacer Chadli, who also had an ankle injury but was back training.

But Dembele's absence could be a huge blow for Spurs. The midfielder played in their 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at the weekend and has become an integral cog in the team under Mauricio Pochettino. 

Nabil Bentaleb (right) trains on Wednesday ahead of Tottenham's Europa League encounter with Monaco

Bentaleb (right) hasn't played since Algeria's 7-0 World Cup qualifier against Tanzania on November 17

Nacer Chadli, who's been out of action since October, stretches for the ball in a sign he's ready to return

Belgian midfielder Chadli (left with Christian Eriksen) limbers up as he comes back from an ankle injury 

Chadli sprints as he bids to take the pitch for the first time since Spurs draw with Liverpool on October 17

Harry Kane, on fire with nine goals in his last 10 starts, in action at Spurs training ground on Wednesday

Ryan Mason, out for at least 10 days with an ankle injury, was not present.

Tottenham's squad looked relaxed as they were put through their paces by club coaches, knowing they are already qualified for the next round. 

Pochettino is expected to give fringe players a chance when they host Monaco at White Hart Lane.

Spurs are top of Group J, three points ahead of Anderlecht in second and with a two-goal advantage. 

Defeat by Monaco and an Anderlecht win against FK Qarabag could see them drop to second in the group, but they need just a point to finish top.

As for Monaco, they need a win and for Anderlecht to drop points to the Azerbaijani side, but Kieran Trippier is adamant the French side are in for a tough night as Spurs look to ensure they take top spot. 

Jan Vertonghen (centre) takes his turn in the middle ahead of Spurs' Europa League clash with Monaco 

South Korea's Son Heung-Min keeps warm ahead of a match in which Spurs can lock in top spot in group F

Thomas Carroll and in-form England midfielder Dele Alli stretch out during their session on Wednesday

Mauricio Pochettino (centre) speaks with assistant coach Jesus Perez as they plan for Thursday night

'We don't want to worry about the other results, we just need to focus on our game and what's in front of us and that's Monaco,' he told tottenhamhotspur.com.

'We know from the first game that they love to try to catch you on the break and they've got some very good players in the team so we need to be wary of that, but hopefully we'll get the job done.

'Every game we go into we believe we can win the match and that's no different on Thursday against Monaco.

'We'll make sure we're ready for the game and hopefully we can win and top the group.'