Tottenham head into their final game of 2024 against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a selection dilemma given the amount of injuries at the back.
Radu Dragusin was forced off with a knock during the Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest. Ben Davies, who has only played a handful of times this season, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Ange Postecoglou is also without Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero after they had to be taken off in the 4-2 defeat to Chelsea earlier this month. Both should be back in the New Year, but Spurs still have to navigate through some games before they do return.
The Australian has spoken about the options that he has in the position ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash. Simply, he said: "Not many."
"We’re in a tough spot and have been for a while, we've been getting through it for quite a while now and keeping fingers crossed that we don't get more issues but the nature of football and fixture scheduling we’ve had means we've always been on a fine line of being able to get through, Postecoglu said. "It's another test for us but whatever we need to deal with, we'll deal with and get ready for Sunday.
Currently, this leaves Archie Gray, who isn't a natural centre-back, as the only fit central defender. So, who comes in to partner the 19-year-old against Wolves? Football.London takes a look at three possible options...
Possible Return
Tottenham's luck with injuries this season has been pretty rotten, hasn't it? However, Postecoglou revealed in his pre-match press conference that Dragusin's injury may not be as bad as first thought - the key word there is 'may'.
"Bit early to tell, he obviously tweaked his ankle and felt like he couldn't continue, we'll just have to wait and see," he said. "Wait until he gets in today and then assess it from there."
In a perfect world, Spurs would hope to get some good news before Sunday and at least be able to name Dragusin in the starting XI. This, though, might be the option that is the least likely to happen.
Bissouma to CB
With no centre-backs on the bench against Nottingham Forest, Yves Bissouma was called upon when Dragusin had to go off. The midfielder filled in for the last three minutes.
The 28-year-old's physical presence on a football pitch could help make a decision for Postecoglou. It would also allow Spurs to have two centre-backs who are comfortable in carrying the ball out of defence.
When questioned earlier about playing Bissouma in the position, the head coach claimed that it was his only option. He also hinted that he might be needed there again.
"I mean Yves has never played there so I am not sure why I would put him there. I had to put him there last night because I had no one else, but we’ll see. We’ll see what happens."
Calling on a youngster
If no fit senior centre-backs are available and Postecoglou doesn't want to put a square peg in a round hole, then what's the next step? Could Tottenham call on one of their youngsters?
Alfie Dorrington made his Premier League debut from the bench in the 5-0 win at Southampton a couple of weeks ago. He has also been on the bench for the league game against Liverpool and Carabao Cup fixture against Manchester United.
He was not named in the matchday squad on Boxing Day. However, he might be Spurs' only centre-back choice to play against Wolves on Sunday afternoon.