Antonio Conte must contend with injury concerns to two key first-team players ahead of Newcastle United’s visit this weekend. Deki Kulusevski and Richarlison’s absences blunt the Tottenham Hotspur attack against the Magpies.
The former, in particular, has been a revelation since arriving from Juventus in January. Operating on the right flank, the Swede has not featured since the 6-2 win over Leicester City on September 17.
Conte confirmed he will miss the clash against Newcastle - as will £60million summer signing Richarlison. However, first-choice right-back Emerson Royal returns after a three-match suspension.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe on the 'little things' that can help Newcastle United beat Tottenham
He told reporters pre-match: “Kulusevski is not available. I think we have to wait a bit of time to see him with us. It is the same for Richarlison. The other is Emerson, who comes back after a ban.
“Then we have another training session tomorrow to try to make an evaluation. Now, to play many games in such a short period, you have to speak to the players to understand who needs to have a bit of rest to avoid injury. We will see tomorrow and then we'll make the best decision for the game on Sunday against Newcastle.”
As Kulushevski and Richarlison are sidelined, expect Conte to field a 3-5-2 formation. The Italian has deviated between this setup and a 3-4-3 system but a lack of width up front should see Harry Kane and Son Heung-min start as a two.
Lucas Moura would provide an alternative but he, too, has suffered injury problems of late. Spurs’ 2018 Champions League semi-final hero is returning to fitness from a calf strain and will likely start on the bench.
Emerson should come into the side after his ban instead of Matt Doherty, who performed well in his first two games deputising at right wing-back but was poor against Manchester United in midweek. Yves Bissouma, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur pick themselves in Tottenham’s midfield but a dilemma may present itself in defence.
Spurs were uncharacteristically sloppy at the back on Wednesday and Conte may be tempted to field loanee Clement Lenglet. The Frenchman arrived on loan from Barcelona in the summer but is yet to be given a chance this season.
Predicted XI (3-5-2)
Lloris; Emerson, Romero, Dier, Lenglet, Perisic; Bissouma, Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Son, Kane
READ NEXT
- 'There's an aura about us' - Callum Wilson explains Newcastle confidence after 'positive process'
- Dan Burn argument, Amadou Onana storm and simple truth on Miguel Almiron form
- Eddie Howe's dressing room message to Newcastle United players will unnerve Premier League rivals
- Frank Lampard gives Newcastle United huge compliment as Eddie Howe passes top six test
- Miguel Almiron 'feeling very good' and hails Eddie Howe for Newcastle United confidence
