Tottenham could be about to welcome back a key player very soon, in what would be a big boost for under-pressure boss Igor Tudor.
Tudor turns corner as Tottenham brace for vital Nottingham Forest clash
There have been flickers recently, moments that have given Tottenham supporters just enough reason to believe the worst might not happen.
A last-gasp Richarlison equaliser at Anfield. A Xavi Simons brace at home to Atlético Madrid, sending the Spurs fans into a frenzy even as the Champions League exit was being confirmed.
For two games, under Tudor, something appears to have stirred.
But let nobody be fooled into thinking the danger has passed. Spurs still sit 16th in the Premier League table, one place and one point above Sunday's opponents Forest.
They also remain the only top-flight club yet to win a league game in 2026 — five draws and seven defeats across 12 matches this calendar year.
Only three clubs in Premier League history have endured a longer winless start to a new year, and all three were relegated.
That is the context in which Sunday's clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium needs to be understood. This is not a game about momentum. This is a battle for survival.
Forest arrive in equally desperate shape. Vitor Pereira has overseen four draws and two defeats in the top flight since taking charge — no domestic wins yet from the Portuguese.
His side are winless in four league games under Pereira and have conceded the third most goals in the division overall.
They did beat Spurs 3-0 at the City Ground back in December, and they will not come to north London afraid. They put this fixture ahead of their Europa League campaign too, with Pereira resting nine players for Thursday's tie against Midtjylland.
That tells you everything about how much they need something from Sunday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Tudor was measured but clearly buoyed by the mood around the club after the Atletico win.
He described a rare togetherness between players and fans and urged everyone to stay connected as they look to build on two improved performances, even if the Premier League points have not followed yet.
He also delivered some welcome team news.
Dominic Solanke missed training on Friday with a hip problem, but Tudor confirmed the striker is expected to rejoin the group on Saturday and should be available to start.
That will matter — Solanke's movement and physical presence are central to how Tudor wants to play.
He also said that James Maddison could return before the end of the season, which would come as an almighty uplift for the Lilywhites.
While Guglielmo Vicario is set for hernia surgery on Monday, the Italian is expected to start against Forest and then undergo the procedure, so Spurs won't be light in goal.
Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus poised to return after international break
As relayed by journalist Tom Barclay from Tudor's press conference, there is longer-term cause for optimism too.
Mohammed Kudus, who has been out with a quad injury, is said to be progressing very well and could potentially return to action after the international break.
Rodrigo Bentancur is also making progress with his recovery.
First, though, Sunday.
Win and Tudor's side would open up a four-point cushion over their opponents. Lose, and desperation sets in all over again.
Three weeks then pass before they play another league game. That is a long time to be sitting in the bottom three.
The mini-revival has to become something more, and it has to start now.