Tottenham face a crucial trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday as Thomas Frank's side desperately seek to halt their alarming slide down the Premier League table.
Spurs are sitting 13th after a turbulent campaign that has seen them win just six of their opening 17 league matches and lose five of their last eight top flight games.
The clash at Selhurst Park represents an opportunity for Frank to restore some confidence following Saturday evening's crushing 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, a result that left the manager under mounting pressure from supporters who have witnessed just two home league wins all season.
The loss to Liverpool proved particularly painful for Tottenham after they were reduced to nine men following red cards for Xavi Simons in the first half and Cristian Romero in stoppage time, with the Argentine captain losing his composure after winning a free kick and throwing a fit that earned him a second yellow.
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké scored for the visitors before a late Richarlison consolation, condemning Spurs to another setback in what has become an increasingly inconsistent and error-strewn campaign under Frank.
Palace represent dangerous opponents for Tottenham, sitting five places above them, with Oliver Glasner's side possessing the pace and directness on the counter-attack to exploit Spurs' vulnerable backline.
Frank will also be without several key players through injury with James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski all long-term absentees, while the suspensions for Simons and Romero further deplete his options for the crucial festive period.
Another player who's been sidelined almost all season, and yet to make a single competitive appearance under Frank, is Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Spurs were open to offers for the 29-year-old in the summer and he has been repeatedly penalised for disciplinary issues behind-the-scenes, with reports suggesting the Lilywhites have decided to sell him next year.
While Bissouma's deal expires in 2026, Spurs do have an option to extend it by a further year, but before that, supporters and Frank will be hoping he can contribute on the pitch at some point first.
Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma could return from injury on Boxing Day
The former Brighton star, who played a key role in Spurs' Europa League final win against Man United in May, has been called up to represent Mali at AFCON regardless of his injury.
According to Pierrot Le Foot, Bissouma has been ruled out of their opening Group A fixture against Zambia this afternoon in Casablanca.
The national team captain is one of three key players unavailable for the Eagles, alongside central defender Sikou Niakate and experienced right-back Hamari Traore, leaving Mali manager Tom Saintfiet with significant selection headaches.
However, it is believed that Bissouma is on the verge of a return to action after resuming full training.
PLF report that Bissouma could play against Morocco on Boxing Day, or, failing that, against Comoros three days later.
“In many major tournaments, some players start with injuries and then become the most dangerous [for their team] in the quarterfinals, semifinals, or final," Mali boss Saintfiet told reporters.
"Hakimi is also on Morocco's roster, and there's a reason for that, because he's one of those great players who are important. Yves (Bissouma) is my captain; he's important, he's a leader of our team. But we didn't make this decision alone.
"Our doctor is in contact with Tottenham's medical staff. We have assurances that Yves will be ready during the tournament. When the matches become more difficult, we'll be glad to have him with us."
This could come as good news for Spurs, as once the AFCON tournament is over, Bissouma could well be available for selection by Frank — giving them another option in the engine room.
However, he hasn't exactly made the best impression since Frank's arrival due to his off-field antics, so it remains to be seen whether the tactician will trust in his services.