Tottenham will host AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night for the second leg of the Europa League competition as they look to progress through to the quarter-finals. However, the side will have their work cut out for them after an own goal from Lucas Bergvall led to a 1-0 loss in the first leg that now sees the Londoners in an uphill battle.
Spurs must win their first home match in almost a month to at least force extra time if they have any chance of progressing further in the Europa League. Many fans see tonight's fixture as a season-defining game for Tottenham.
There is some good news on the injury front - Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Ben Davies is back and available for selection ahead of the Europa League match. The defender has missed his club's last four games but has reportedly returned to full training with the rest of the squad - and is in contention to play against AZ.
The Welshman heads into the game on 348 appearances for the Club in all competitions and his experience could prove invaluable. Defender Davies is the second-highest appearance-maker for Spurs in European competitions. Postecoglou confirmed: "Ben (Davies) is back."
Tottenham Hotspur's defence has been significantly impacted by injuries this season, creating a persistent challenge for their manager. The team has faced a significant crisis with all four senior centre-backs—Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Radu Dragusin—suffering injuries at various points during the season.
Rodrigo Bentancur will be unavailable for selection after he picked up his third yellow card in Spurs' European campaign during the first-leg loss at AFAS Stadion. The midfielder picked up an automatic one-game suspension in the Netherlands match which ruled him out of tonight's match. On Sunday, the Uruguayan reached his Spurs century as he made his 100th appearance for the Club in our 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth.
Kevin Danso
Injury: Hamstring.
What Postecoglou has said: "Kevin got a hamstring injury in the last game so he's out.
"It's hard to say (when he will be back) at the moment. He felt it right at the end of the game so we'll see.
"We have the international break which helps us and Kevin looks after himself, he's a pretty good athlete, so we'll give him every chance to get back. We'll have to let it settle down a bit before we get some clarity but he'll be pushing."
Possible return date: Currently being assessed.
Richarlison
Injury: Calf.
What Postecoglou has said: "Probably post the international break he should be there or thereabouts depending on his progress.
"It was good to see him back out on the grass - he is working hard to get back in.
"Hopefully post international break he will be available."
Possible return date: Chelsea (A), April 3.
Radu Dragusin
Injury: Knee.
What Spurs have said: "Radu underwent surgery following his ACL injury. That procedure has now been completed, and the centre-back will now commence with his recovery before beginning the rehab process."
Possible return date: December.
Dejan Kulusevski
Injury: Foot.
What Postecoglou has said: "He's had a knock on his foot. He's not really sure when (it happened) to be honest.
"It's been sore for the last couple of weeks, but he has been able to train and play and still get through it. But it wasn't getting better, so we did some further investigations, but there's no real clarity. We're just waiting on a couple of things to find out the extent of it.
"But he's unlikely to be back before the international break. It's nothing serious; it's nothing surgical or anything."