Roberto De Zerbi is facing a number of issues in his defence ahead of Tottenham's clash against relegated Wolves on Saturday, and could now unleash a rarely seen youngster for just his third Premier League start.
Spurs vs Wolves team news
Tottenham are two points from safety after 17th-placed West Ham shared the spoils with Crystal Palace on Monday, but De Zerbi retains faith they can avoid a catastrophic first relegation since 1977 before they head to Molineux.
The manager has lost left-back Destiny Udogie due to a muscle problem and Guglielmo Vicario is still not available after hernia surgery, which means Antonin Kinsky will deputise in goal again.
James Maddison was an unused substitute against Brighton and even though he is set to travel to Wolverhampton, the playmaker does not appear ready to contribute but De Zerbi urged his team to play without pressure.
“It’s a tough game because they have nothing to lose. It’s an important game for us, for sure, but we have to be able to play with not too much pressure,” De Zerbi insisted.
“Sometimes when one team is losing too many games the rumours are not nice and behaviour and the people speak about not too much serious players, but no, it is not like this in this case.
“I found good players, good guys, serious players and they follow me. They believe in my words because I am able to recognise the eyes of the players.
“We are suffering, they are suffering because it is not easy to play in Tottenham in this condition of the table, but I said they have to be stronger and they have to live to win a game.
“We have to live every part of the day waiting for a win and preparing for a win because I think with a win we can change this part of the season.”
It was revealed on Friday that Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey should have received a second yellow card for a foul on Spurs captain Cristian Romero during De Zerbi’s debut loss in charge, and the Argentina international will also miss out.
“Can we play that game again or not? I think not. It was clear but no problem. We have to move on.” - De Zerbi on Brobbey controversy
With issues across his backline, the Italian hinted he could unleash Brazilian youngster Souza, who has played just 144 Premier League minutes this season and none under the new boss.
"We have (Djed) Spence, Souza is available to come with us," he said about the injury to Udogie (via Football London). "It's not a big problem, I hope Udogie could be back for next week at Villa Park."
The 19 year-old may have to settle for a place on the bench behind Spence, but it certainly sounds like he will get his first chance to impress De Zerbi in some capacity.
Souza was arguably one of the bright spots in the 1-1 draw at Anfield - Igor Tudor's only point as Tottenham manager - and has been praised for his versatility and speed on the flank.
Signed from Brazilian club Santos for a fee of around £13m, he could be one of those in line to receive increased opportunities is Spurs are relegated.