Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has joked that his side are missing the influence of midfielder Mousa Dembele.

The Belgian midfielder is yet to feature in the early stages of the current campaign due to suspension.

The 29-year-old's influence was, once again, sorely missed during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool and Pochettino appears to be keen for Dembele to become available again.

"Without Mousa Dembele, we do not exist," he joked. "Tottenham does not exist.

"I am joking because it is a difficult question.

"We played against Liverpool, and we need to show respect to the players that played," Pochettino added.