Sports Mole

Running out of games to save their top-flight status, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Aston Villa for a Premier League clash of significant importance on Sunday.

Villa Park will play host to the 18th-placed side in the division, with Spurs sitting two points from safety with just four matches of their nightmare campaign remaining.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of this weekend's trip to Villa Park.

Pape Sarr

© Iconsport / ActionPlus / Icon Sport

Type of injury: Shoulder

Possible return date: May 3 (vs. Aston Villa)

Missing the past two matches due to a shoulder injury, Sarr will need to be assessed before potentially taking to the Villa Park pitch on Sunday evening.

Destiny Udogie

© Imago / Sportimage

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: May 3 (vs. Aston Villa)

Udogie missed the win at Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a minor problem, with Spurs hopeful that the left-back will be fit to feature in a crunch clash at Aston Villa this weekend.

Xavi Simons

© Imago / Sebastian Frej

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Next season

Simons was stretchered off during the narrow victory at Wolves last weekend, with the Dutchman set to miss the remainder of the campaign and the World Cup because of a serious knee injury.

Dominic Solanke

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Next season

Also picking up a problem in the Black Country last time out, Solanke could sit out of the final four matches due to a hamstring injury, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi currently unsure when the striker will return to action.

Ben Davies

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: May 19 (vs. Chelsea)

Left-back Davies has not played a game since breaking his ankle in January, with the Wales international not expected back for the match in Birmingham this weekend.

Mohammed Kudus

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Keen to feature at the World Cup for Ghana this summer, Kudus has reportedly decided against surgery on a thigh injury, instead opting for a more conservative recovery plan that could allow him to play a part in North America.

Wilson Odobert

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Odobert ruptured his ACL against Newcastle in February, meaning that the winger will not be able to help Spurs avoid relegation during the final stages of this season.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Last featuring for Spurs in May 2025, Kulusevski is continuing his slow recovery from a serious knee injury and will not play for the Londoners until next season.

Guglielmo Vicario

Status: Doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: May 3 (vs. Aston Villa)

Vicario has missed Tottenham's last three matches with a groin issue, but De Zerbi is hopeful that the goalkeeper can start in between the sticks at Villa Park on Sunday.

Cristian Romero

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Romero suffered a knee injury in the loss to Sunderland earlier this month, with De Zerbi stating that the World Cup winner cannot play for the relegation fighters again this season.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no players unavailable due to suspension for their clash against Aston Villa.

Tottenham Hotspur are bracing for a major summer shake-up, with key players already lining up potential exits.

Uncertainty over their Premier League status has only intensified transfer speculation around the squad.

But one departure now looks increasingly inevitable, regardless of how the season ends.

Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario agrees Inter Milan move

According to reports, Guglielmo Vicario has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan ahead of a summer move, with goalkeeper 'set to leave' north London this off-season.

The Italian international is expected to depart Spurs even if they avoid relegation, underlining the scale of change that could be coming.

Inter, who are currently pushing for the Serie A title, have identified Vicario as a key target and have already made significant progress on the player side of the deal.

Signed in 2023, Vicario has made over 90 appearances for Spurs but has endured an inconsistent spell, with injuries and fluctuating form impacting his time at the club.

A deal could cost in the region of £20 to £25 million.

Guglielmo Vicario won't be the only exit at Tottenham

Vicario’s expected departure could be just the start of a mass exodus at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Players such as Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are also attracting strong interest, and given their quality, their futures may not be tied solely to whether Spurs remain in the Premier League.

Even if survival is secured, the Lilywhites could still face a significant rebuild, with several key figures assessing their options after a disappointing campaign.

Who will replace Guglielmo Vicario at Spurs?

Replacing Vicario will be a major decision for Spurs.

Antonin Kinsky has been given opportunities but has struggled for consistency, raising questions over whether he is ready to step up as the club’s long-term No.1.

That could push Tottenham back into the transfer market, where names like James Trafford have already been linked.

Given the importance of the position, particularly for a side looking to stabilise and rebuild, Spurs are unlikely to take risks.

Whether they back Kinsky or bring in a new first-choice goalkeeper, this is shaping up to be one of the defining decisions of Roberto De Zerbi's summer.

Tottenham Hotspur's fight for Premier League survival continues on Sunday when they travel to face Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Spurs recorded their first league win of the year against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, but with West Ham United also winning against Everton, Roberto De Zerbi's side remain two points adrift from safety with four fixtures remaining.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news.

Xavi Simons

Status: Out

Type of injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Possible return date: Unknown

Simons was forced off with a suspected ACL injury against Wolves, and having now been confirmed as a rupture, the attacking midfielder is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Possible return date: Unknown

Odobert is also undergoing rehabilitation after rupturing his ACL in the match against Newcastle United in February, and the winger is looking to return before the end of the year.

Mohammed Kudus

© Iconsport / Harvey Murphy/News Images/Alamy

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Kudus had returned to training and appeared set for a return to matchday action before a setback saw the winger require further specialist surgery, meaning he has now been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Dejan Kulusevski

© Iconsport / BILDBYRÅN

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Kulusevski has been out of action since a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2025, and the Swedish international is fighting to return in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cristian Romero

© Iconsport / PA Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Romero was another recent injury sustained during Tottenham's relegation battle, suffering a knee injury in the defeat to Sunderland, and he has also been ruled out for the season as a result.

Ben Davies

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: May 19 (vs. Chelsea)

Davies has been out with an ankle injury since January, and the defender is hopeful of returning in time for the final two fixtures of the season.

Guglielmo Vicario

© Imago / IPS

Status: Doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: May 03 (vs. Aston Villa)

Vicario has missed Tottenham's last three matches with a groin injury, but the goalkeeper could return in time for Sunday's fixture.

Destiny Udogie

© Imago / Sportimage

Status: Doubt

Type of injury: Other

Possible return date: May 03 (vs. Aston Villa)

Udogie missed the win against Wolves with a muscular injury, but the defender could return for Sunday's clash with Aston Villa.

Pape Matar Sarr

© Iconsport / ActionPlus / Icon Sport

Status: Doubt

Type of injury: Shoulder

Possible return date: May 03 (vs. Aston Villa)

Sarr has been unavailable since the defeat to Sunderland in early April, and the midfielder is hoping to return for Sunday's match.

Dominic Solanke

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Solanke also joined the lengthy injury list during the game against Wolves, and with a reported grade two hamstring injury, the striker is likely to miss the remainder of the season.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no players unavailable due to suspension for their clash against Aston Villa.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke could reportedly miss the remainder of the season after suffering an injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Spurs are currently stuck in the relegation zone in 18th place with 34 points, two behind West Ham, making the latest setback a potentially huge blow in their fight for survival.

The North London club picked up their first Premier League win of 2026 last week when they edged past Wolves 1-0 away from home, a result that briefly lifted spirits.

However, that victory came at a significant cost, with Xavi Simons suffering an ACL injury that is expected to rule him out of the World Cup.

There may now be further misery for Roberto De Zerbi, with Solanke becoming the latest addition to Tottenham’s lengthy injury list.

Dominic Solanke injury - huge blow for Spurs

© Imago / Martin Dalton

According to The Telegraph, scan results indicate that Solanke has sustained a grade-two hamstring injury.

Such injuries typically require between three and eight weeks of recovery, placing the 28-year-old’s availability for the rest of the campaign in serious doubt.

Tottenham have yet to issue an official update, but De Zerbi will undoubtedly hope the striker can still play some part in the run-in as Spurs battle to avoid relegation.

A season-ending setback would also damage Solanke’s hopes of making England national football team’s World Cup squad as an understudy to Harry Kane.

Should Spurs sell Solanke in the summer?

© Imago

Solanke joined Spurs from Bournemouth in 2024 for £55m and scored 16 goals across all competitions in his debut season.

When fully fit, the former Chelsea forward is a genuine threat leading the line, but his injury record has become an increasing concern.

Like many players at the club, Solanke’s future may depend heavily on whether Spurs preserve their Premier League status, and there is even a possibility that he has already played his last game for the Lilywhites.

Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the situation at Tottenham Hotspur and could capitalise on the North Londoners' relegation fears in the Premier League, according to Spanish daily Sport.

Spurs sit 18th in the standings on 34 points with four matches remaining, and they do not control their own destiny in the battle to remain in the English top flight. West Ham United, the first side outside the Premier League's bottom three, are on 36 points, while Nottingham Forest (16th) and Leeds United (15th) have racked up 39 and 40 points respectively.

Beyond the sporting blow, Tottenham could be forced to part ways with several of their key players should they find themselves in the Championship in 2026-27, in an effort to soften the financial fallout by trimming the wage bill amid reduced revenues. Should that scenario play out, Barcelona would look to lure several Tottenham assets to the Spotify Camp Nou.

Who is Barcelona keeping tabs on at Tottenham in case of relegation?

Deco, the Catalans' director of football, recently flew to London to kick-start their recruitment planning for next season, holding meetings with a number of agents. The Tottenham squad does indeed boast pieces that could tick the boxes for boss Hansi Flick.

Lucas Bergvall is one of the names on the Barcelona radar. The 20-year-old midfielder came close to joining the Catalan giants in 2024, only to accept Tottenham's more lucrative financial proposal. Between January and March, the Sweden international was sidelined with an ankle injury, but he has now returned to fitness.

Xavi Simons, who spent a long stint at La Masia, is also being tracked by the Barcelona hierarchy. After shining for Paris Saint-Germain, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder was signed by Tottenham at the start of the season, going on to register five goals and six assists in 41 outings.

However, on Saturday, the Netherlands international ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Spurs' victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Simons will require surgery and will miss the World Cup, with his physical situation potentially cooling Barcelona's interest.

Defensive reinforcements: from Pedro Porro to Cristian Romero

In defence, Barcelona are eyeing an alternative to Jules Kounde, who has been showing signs of physical wear and tear in recent months. Should Tottenham drop out of the Premier League, the idea would be to negotiate a deal for Pedro Porro, whose attacking profile is to the German boss's taste.

That said, with the 26-year-old Spanish full-back tied to a contract until June 2028, Tottenham value the player at €40m (£34m), a figure that could prove a stumbling block for the Catalans amid their critical financial situation and their bid to meet Financial Fair Play requirements.

At centre-back, Barcelona hold Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in high regard. The 25-year-old Netherlands international is renowned for his ability to build play with the ball at his feet, although he has shown defensive lapses throughout Tottenham's chaotic season.

The 28-year-old Argentinian, meanwhile, has a clause in his contract that lowers his release fee in the event of relegation. Earlier in 2025-26, Tottenham demanded €60m (£51m) to release Romero to Atletico Madrid. That figure would tumble dramatically should relegation from the Premier League indeed be confirmed.

Tottenham Hotspur are already preparing for a pivotal summer as uncertainty continues to surround their Premier League status.

Multiple recruitment plans are being drawn up behind the scenes, all depending on how the season ends.

And one surprise, yet experienced, option has now emerged as a potential low-cost solution this off-season.

Spurs to target James Tavernier if relegated to the Championship

Spurs are weighing up a move for Rangers stalwart James Tavernier - but only if they drop into the Championship, according to TEAMtalk.

New Lilywhites boss Roberto De Zerbi is planning for multiple scenarios, and as a result, Tavernier has been identified as a key target in the event of relegation.

The long-serving Teddy Bears captain is set to become a free agent this summer after an 11-year spell at Ibrox, making him an attractive, low-risk option.

His experience, leadership and remarkable attacking output - as one of the highest-scoring defenders in British football history - are viewed as valuable assets for a side that will potentially be aiming for immediate promotion back to the top-flight.

Andy Robertson also wanted by Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi

Tottenham’s defensive reshuffle is not limited to Tavernier, however.

Liverpool veteran Andy Robertson is also on their radar, though his situation hinges on a very different outcome.

The Reds left-back is understood to have an agreement in principle to join Spurs, but only if they avoid relegation, underlining how dramatically their transfer strategy could shift depending on their league status.

This dual-track approach highlights the scale of uncertainty at the club, with De Zerbi and the recruitment team preparing for two very different squad builds.

It is likely to be a summer of change for Spurs

Regardless of which division Spurs find themselves in next season, significant changes appear inevitable.

A number of key players, including Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, have been linked with moves away, while questions also remain over other defensive options across the squad.

Relegation would almost certainly accelerate that process, forcing Spurs to lean on experienced, cost-effective additions like Tavernier.

Even if they survive, however, the squad looks set for a reshaping, with De Zerbi keen to stamp his authority on a team that has underperformed. Either way, it promises to be a defining summer in north London.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Xavi Simons suffered a ruptured ACL in the weekend's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and will soon undergo an operation.

The Dutchman fell to the turf in agony in the second half of Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win and had to be stretchered off the Molineux field.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that Simons had sustained a knee injury in his post-game press conference, although he refused to speculate on the severity of his issue immediately afterwards.

However, reports on Sunday evening claimed that Simons had suffered a devastating ACL rupture, and the playmaker announced on Instagram that he would miss the 2026 World Cup.

Simons did not directly confirm that his injury was ACL-related, but Spurs announced in a statement on Monday morning that the Netherlands international had sustained the season-ending issue and will have surgery in the "coming weeks".

Tottenham confirm Xavi Simons ACL injury and surgery

"We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee," Tottenham said in a statement. "The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of our Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

"Xavi will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, following that, will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends Xavi our love and support - we will be with him every step of the way."

Not only will Simons miss the remainder of the Premier League season and the World Cup, but the 23-year-old is likely to sit out the rest of the calendar year before returning in the second half of the 2026-27 campaign.

Simons's first season at Tottenham comes to a premature end with the Dutchman registering five goals and six assists from 41 matches across all competitions, including two strikes and five helpers in the Premier League.

The Netherlands international's setback comes at a time when he was beginning to flourish in De Zerbi's system, producing a fine goal and assist against Brighton & Hove Albion two weekends ago.

Three players Tottenham can sign to replace Xavi Simons

A fully-fit Simons would have likely left Tottenham this summer if Spurs were relegated to the Championship, but his crushing blow means that a move away is surely off the cards.

At the same time, Dejan Kulusevski is still sidelined with a serious knee injury, while James Maddison is only just back from his ACL tear, and Mohammed Kudus is on the mend from a thigh setback.

Whether any of those players would stick around in the event of demotion remains to be seen, and Tottenham cannot finalise transfer plans until their top-flight or second-tier status is confirmed, but a replacement must be sought.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Xavi Simons has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the Premier League season.

The Londoners managed to get the better of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday thanks to Joao Palhinha's 82nd-minute winner.

Spurs did not close the two-point gap to 17th-placed West Ham United due to their victory against Everton, and there are now only four matchweeks remaining.

However, attacking midfielder Simons was stretchered off against Wolves in the second half after appearing to hyperextend his knee.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Simons has torn his ACL and will now miss the rest of the season, as well as the World Cup.

How many games will Xavi Simons miss after ACL injury?

Boss Roberto De Zerbi now knows that he will not only be without Simons for the remainder of 2025-26, but almost certainly the rest of the year.

A partial tear of the ligament would require up to three months on the sidelines, though Simons's torn ligament will require anywhere from six to 12 months on the treatment table.

XAVI SIMONS PL STATS

Appearances: 28

Starts: 19

Goals: 2

Assists: 5

Manchester City midfielder Rodri suffered an ACL injury in September 2024, and he only returned to the pitch in May 2025, so fans will have to be patient with Simons.

Will Tottenham Hotspur beat West Ham United to survival?

Though the weekend's Premier League action changed nothing in terms of the points deficit that Spurs have to overcome, De Zerbi's side are arguably now in a worse position.

The injury to creator Simons was damaging enough, but striker Dominic Solanke also picked up an issue against Wolves, and their absences will make the two-point gap to West Ham and five-point gap to Nottingham Forest difficult to overhaul.

With games coming against Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton, Tottenham could experience difficulties in the final third, though it should be noted that James Maddison has returned as an option for De Zerbi.

The playmaker is one of the most creative players in the squad, and if he can find match sharpness, then he may be able to mitigate the loss of Simons and guide Spurs to safety.

Just when a major twist was about to unfold in the Premier League relegation battle, Callum Wilson triggered London Stadium pandemonium for West Ham United.

The Irons were about to drop two points against Everton, while Tottenham Hotspur were in the ascendancy at Wolverhampton Wanderers, thus taking the Lilywhites out of the relegation zone - but for only a matter of minutes.

Wilson's winner in West Ham's 2-1 triumph ensured that the Hammers would maintain their two-point lead over Spurs in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, taking some of the gloss off of Tottenham's first top-flight win of 2026 as the fight to avoid joining Burnley and Wolves in the second tier hots up.

Nottingham Forest are only three points better off than West Ham too, despite pummelling Sunderland 5-0 last time out, so there is still a real risk of the Tricky Trees - who arguably have the toughest run-in - being dragged back into the demotion picture.

With all that in mind, Sports Mole predicts every remaining West Ham, Tottenham and Forest result for the 2025-26 Premier League season, and thus predicting who will be safe and who will be sent down.

Tottenham

Tottenham remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 3: vs. Aston Villa (A)

May 11: vs. Leeds United (H)

May 17: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 24: vs. Everton (H)

Aston Villa vs. Tottenham: Draw

Villa Park has lost its intimidating feel recently, and on the back of the Lions' Europa League semi-final showdown with Nottingham Forest, Tottenham can hold out for a point.

Tottenham vs. Leeds United: Win

Leeds have become a very tough nut to crack since Daniel Farke switched to three at the back and are now unbeaten in six straight Premier League away games, drawing five of them. However, as De Zerbi's methods are starting to bear fruit, Tottenham can earn a rare and precious home win.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham: Defeat

Chaos follows Chelsea wherever they go nowadays, but the Blues have responded well to Calum McFarlane's methods so far and should have too much quality for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham vs. Everton: Win

Everton may or may not still be fighting for European football in gameweek 38, but a Tottenham side likely still scrapping for their lives can finish with a flourish - whether it will be a status-saving flourish remains to be seen.

West Ham

West Ham remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 2: vs. Brentford (A)

May 10: vs. Arsenal (H)

May 17: vs. Newcastle United (A)

May 24: vs. Leeds United (H)

Brentford vs. West Ham: Defeat

Brentford still have a top-seven finish in their sights, and despite garnering a reputation for being stalemate specialists, the Bees have our vote to edge this one.

West Ham vs. Arsenal: Defeat

Even if it is the scrappiest, ugliest 1-0, title-chasing Arsenal are tipped to get the better of the Hammers, on a day where Spurs fans will temporarily put their bitter North London rivalry to one side.

Newcastle vs. West Ham: Defeat

Newcastle's rot must end at some point, and the Magpies gave Arsenal a decent run for their money on April 25, so Eddie Howe's side can deal a devastating blow to the Hammers' hopes of staying up.

West Ham vs. Leeds: Win

Leeds United are not out of the woods yet, but they would have likely secured their safety before the final gameweek trip to London; West Ham can take advantage of the Whites putting their feet up to claim a potentially critical triumph.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest remaining fixtures 2025-26

May 4: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 10: vs. Newcastle United (H)

May 17: vs. Manchester United (A)

May 24: vs. Bournemouth (H)

Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest: Defeat

The new manager bounce may not have worn off for Chelsea by the time Forest visit Stamford Bridge, and McFarlane's men can therefore bring the fatigued Tricky Trees crashing back down to earth, so long as they do not do a Sunderland.

Nottingham Forest vs. Newcastle: Draw

Forest would be celebrating Europa League final progression or commiserating their chances of continental glory by the time they take on Newcastle, who should benefit from their hosts' hangover to claim a draw.

Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest: Defeat

One of the toughest assignments in the Premier League right now, Michael Carrick's rejuvenated and resilient Manchester United are backed to overcome Forest without too much trouble.

Nottingham Forest vs. Bournemouth: Draw

Not since 2025 have Bournemouth lost a Premier League away game, and in Andoni Iraola's final act, the Cherries can consign Forest - albeit a well-rested Forest - to a winless end to the season.

Premier League relegation battle prediction

Final Premier League standings (predicted)

If our predictions ring true, Tottenham's perpetual Premier League status will be safe, and the Lilywhites will finish level on points with Nottingham Forest - to be separated by goal difference.

However, West Ham United's trio of consecutive defeats would prove fatal in their survival fight, as the Irons drop down to the second tier for the first time in 15 years.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi suggested four alternative solutions to his team as he delivered updates on the injuries Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons sustained against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Lilywhites finally ended their agonising wait for a first Premier League win of 2026 at Molineux, as Joao Palhinha's late effort sealed a 1-0 victory over the Championship-bound Old Gold.

However, the afternoon was bittersweet for Tottenham, as West Ham United's dramatic triumph over Everton kept De Zerbi's men two points below the Irons in 18th place in the Premier League table.

To make matters worse for the North London club, Solanke was substituted with an apparent hamstring injury in the first half, before Simons was stretchered off with a knee problem in the second.

Speaking to the media after the game - as quoted by football.london - De Zerbi expressed optimism over Solanke's prognosis, while also revealing that Simons was already "feeling better" but still admitting to some concern over the Dutchman.

Roberto De Zerbi optimistic on Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons injuries

"For Xavi it is a problem of his knee," De Zerbi said. "We go to see in the next days. Monday or Tuesday. He felt pain. Now I spoke to him two, three minutes ago. He feels better than the beginning of the injury.

"For Solanke it is not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him but I would like to know the situation with Xavi because the knee is always different than the muscular injury."

However, the Italian was also keen to highlight his alternative options, insisting that Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani, Souza and even Lucas Bergvall could function out wide.

"We can play with Mathys Tel on the left. Kolo Muani on the right. Souza on the right. Bergvall on the left," De Zerbi added. "We have to create. I don’t want to change too much (like) three defenders or four defenders.

"I don’t want to put more confusion on the players, especially this season because they changed a lot of tactical disposition. I want to be clear and simple but for your question, we need to stay strong in the head and positive in ourselves."

How can Tottenham line up without Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke?

Souza on the right, Bergvall on the left and either Richarlison or Kolo Muani through the middle - a viable solution in De Zerbi's eyes - would be up there with one of the strangest attacking combinations from Tottenham in the Premier League era.

However, a more natural solution would be to deploy Kolo Muani through the centre, Tel on the right and Richarlison on the left, although Spurs would then be bereft of attacking options on the bench with Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert still out.

Alternatively, James Maddison could be pressed back into action quicker than expected, but Tottenham will not take any chances with the Englishman's fitness so soon after his return to matchday squads.

Regardless, De Zerbi will have to get creative when Tottenham continue their fight against the drop with a daunting trip to Aston Villa next Sunday.