Cristian Stellini is preparing for his first game at home since Antonio Conte was sacked with an important clash against fellow European challengers Brighton on Saturday. The visitors are just four points behind Spurs in fifth with two games in hand.
It may well prove to be the perfect audition for Roberto De Zerbi as he continues to be linked with taking over in north London. He will be looking to make it three games in a row without a win for Tottenham, who come into this off the back of the disappointing draw with Everton.
Amongst the spate of injuries in the squad, Stellini will have to get through the game without Lucas Moura. The Brazilian was sent off against Everton on Monday for a poor challenge late on in the game and is suspended for three matches having received a straight red card.
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Other than that there hasn't been a change in those available as Stellini admitted that there was no fresh updates. "No, no good news about players that come back for the next game," he said on Thursday. "We are getting closer with Richarlison - he trained on the pitch but he trained alone. We are going well with Ben Davies but we have to wait a bit of time."
Richarlison was taken off early against Southampton in Conte's last game. He continues to be sideline in a season of setbacks. "Richarlison has started to train on pitch, he is going well. For the next game he could be available," added the Italian boss.
He will be available before Ben Davies though, who was ruled out for around six weeks with a knock picked up prior to the international break. Meanwhile defensive partner Emerson Royal is recovering with a damaging injury of his own.
The Brazilian has had surgery on a knee issue, his father has revealed, saying: "The surgery went well, it really was the meniscus. Recovery is usually 3 to 6 weeks. But based on Royal's genetics, I believe he will recover soon," Emerson's father said.
"My company has a multidisciplinary team and through the Heráclito Research and Analysis Center we carry out genetic tests on our players in a Spanish laboratory."
He is set to be out for several more weeks. Ryan Sessegnon also remains unavailable, as does Yves Bissouma. Stellini said of them before the break: "We have players that had serious injuries. Sessegnon won't be ready after the international break, it's the same for Bissouma.
"We can confirm that Yves will undergo surgery on Friday to repair a stress fracture to his left ankle," the club said at the time. "A timeframe for his return will be determined after surgery."
He also added last week: "Bentancur out for the season and Richarlison with problems and Ben Davies and Sessegnon are pushing to recover. They are not ready but they are pushing to recover as soon as possible.
Bissouma's integral partner in the centre of the park, Rodrigo Bentancur, won't be available again this term. "We can confirm that Rodrigo has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will be out of action for the remainder of the campaign," a statement read earlier this season.
Hugo Lloris returned to action against Everton after his own troubles with his knee.
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