Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to face Manchester City for the third time this month, with a Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Spurs progressed to the Champions League semi-finals in amazing fashion on Wednesday night, losing 4-3 but going through on away goals.
The latest injury update has been provided on the official Tottenham website and there is one area that is a major concern – central midfield.
Spurs have confirmed that Harry Winks will not be part of the squad to face City, with the England international’s groin concern still preventing him from participating.
Moussa Sissoko also picked up a groin strain in the midweek clash. Although the report suggests the France international will be assessed before the game, surely a return for the Tottenham midfielder will be out of reach.
Eric Dier has reportedly returned to Spurs training on Friday, but Mauricio Pochettino is very unlikely to risk him straight away.
So who plays in Tottenham’s central midfield on Saturday?
Victor Wanyama is a certain for Spurs as he is just about the only fit and available senior central midfielder that Pochettino can call on.
There is the potential to through young Oliver Skipp into the mix, but this would be a real baptism of fire for the 18-year-old.
When Sissoko came off on Wednesday night, Tottenham played with Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen in deeper roles to accompany Wanyama – and this may well be the best ploy again.
The last option could well be one from left field, with Pochettino using Danny Rose in midfield on rare occasions during his time at the club. However, the left-back would surely be out of his depth in an unknown position against the English champions.
With fixtures piling up thick and fast, here’s hoping for no more injuries – and that City are scarred from their midweek elimination; something Tottenham can take advantage of.