Ange Postecoglou will hope his Spurs can end a four-game winless streak when they face West Ham on Friday morning (7.15am AEDT).
Tottenham ended a run of three-straight losses in a 3-3 draw with Manchester City on the weekend, but a host of injuries have cruelled the early momentum that saw them rise to the top of the table in October.
Spurs were forced to name a makeshift back line without a recognised centre-back for the past two games, but will be boosted by the return of vice-captain Cristian Romero from a three-game ban.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Postecoglou said: “It was not like he was the only one missing. All of a sudden post-Chelsea we lost Micky (Van de Ven), we lost Destiny (Udogie), we lost pretty much our whole back four, we lost Madders (James Maddison) and he knows how important he is.”
“Romero’s the only recognised centre-half fit at the moment because Micky van de Ven, Eric Dier and Ashley Phillips are all out,” Postecoglou added.
“At this stage, because Eric hasn’t trained for over a week now and we’re working on the issue, I assume when he does get back, he’ll need a bit of time. It’s a groin issue.”
Klopp tees off after innocent joke | 01:08
MORE COVERAGE
Second PL manager set for axe after ‘embarrassing’ five-goal loss amid owner’s hilarious blow-up
‘I can’t stand him’: Top UK journo causes stir with bizarre attack on ‘salesman’ Ange
Ange’s perfect three-word response to critics as rival boss hails ‘remarkable’ Aussie
Nevertheless, Spurs haven’t strayed from Postecoglou’s attacking approach, and the match against ninth-placed West Ham promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Victory would lift Tottenham level with fourth-placed Man City on 30 points.
Match centre: Live stats, teams and more
LIVE BLOG
Follow the action in our live blog below. If you can’t see the blog, click here.