Igor Tudor will desperately need his key players fit and available when Tottenham resume their Premier League campaign in the coming weeks, if the club is to steer clear of the drop. The north Londoners sit just one point above the relegation zone, marooned in 17th with seven wins, nine draws and a staggering 15 defeats to their name. With only seven fixtures remaining and West Ham snapping at Spurs' heels, Tudor has precious little time to turn things around in north London.
He is yet to taste victory in his opening five Premier League matches at the helm, suffering heavy defeats to Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, while managing only a draw against Liverpool. Spurs were also eliminated from the Champions League under his watch, going out on a 7-5 aggregate scoreline against Atletico Madrid across two legs.
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Here's a look at the ideal starting team Tudor should field across his final seven matches of the campaign, fitness permitting...
Goalkeeper - Vicario
First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario dealt Spurs a significant setback ahead of the international break when it emerged he would require surgery on a hernia and could be sidelined for up to a month as a consequence.
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Despite being unavailable immediately following surgery, Vicario was seen at Italy's training camp before their World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland earlier this week - though in a gesture of support rather than harbouring any expectations of featuring.
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The prospects for the coming fortnight look exceptionally grim for Spurs, particularly given second-choice shot-stopper Antonin Kinsky's high-profile mistakes that saw him subbed early against Atletico Madrid.
Nevertheless, should Vicario's rehabilitation progress smoothly, there should be nothing stopping the 29-year-old from returning to action towards the final stages of Tottenham's make-or-break campaign.
Defence - Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence
With an uncompromising approach and reliability on the right flank of defence, Pedro Porro is precisely what Spurs require amid their current relegation scrap. The 26-year-old is also amongst the club's more seasoned figures, which will prove essential in maintaining team cohesion through adversity.
Cristian Romero should also be among the first names on Tudor's team-sheet throughout April and May. He's formidable in the challenge and remarkably dependable when he manages to keep a level head.
A shining light in an otherwise underwhelming side this season, Micky van de Ven has caught the eye with his electrifying pace and assured game management. He's unquestionably the ideal man to partner Romero in central defence.
Meanwhile, just as effective going forward as he is positioned in the backline, Djed Spence provides Spurs with a degree of versatility in terms of transitional play.
However, Tudor may need to be mindful that the 24-year-old does not venture too far upfield, leaving Spurs vulnerable on the break.
Midfield - Gray, Bentancur, Simons
One of the club's most reliably outstanding performers this campaign despite their dismal run of results, Archie Gray has demonstrated repeatedly that he can compete with the Premier League's elite.
Another influential figure on the pitch for the Lilywhites, Rodrigo Bentancur must also be featuring in every match for his side in the forthcoming months.
Predominantly regarded as a defensive-midfielder, the Uruguayan has successfully adapted to a more box-to-box position recently, and has delivered crucial contributions when required most.
Presently ruled out with a thigh problem, it is uncertain whether the 28-year-old will be fit for selection for next month's journey to Sunderland.
With merely one goal and four assists to his credit this season, Xavi Simons has struggled to leave a significant impression in north London. That's not to suggest the attacking-midfielder hasn't displayed moments of quality, though.
While a fully-fit James Maddison would be the natural selection here, the Englishman has been absent for almost a year due to an ACL injury, and appears unlikely to feature before the campaign ends.
Attack - Kudus, Tel, Richarlison
Mohammed Kudus has also been recuperating from a thigh problem of his own recently, in a significant setback to Spurs' attacking capabilities. He has registered two goals and six assists in a struggling outfit this campaign, despite featuring for a total of just 773 Premier League minutes.
Should Kudus be available to return against Sunderland, his inclusion is a straightforward decision. His skill and speed a nightmare for any backline.
Mathys Tel has also displayed glimpses of world-class ability across the forward positions. When utilised alongside Kudus, the Dutchman could certainly prove troublesome against any side in the English top flight.
And while Dominic Solanke's three Premier League goals this season may have been sufficient to secure him an England call-up under Thomas Tuchel, Richarlison is the clear option to spearhead the attack.
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The Brazilian has scored three times as many goals as Solanke this campaign and is a persistent threat in and around the penalty area. Good service could make all the difference.