Ange Postecoglou has ruled two key members of his Tottenham squad out of action until the New Year, but revealed a trio of offside stars will return to training soon.
The Spurs boss will aim to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals when they host Manchester United on Thursday amid a series of inconsistencies that have put his position under scrutiny.
Postecoglou is desperate for silverware for the club who have not lifted a trophy since winning the League Cup in 2008 but will have to find a way past United without the help of two crucial defenders.
Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both limped off with serious injuries during the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham on December 8 and have been receiving treatment since.
Romero was gutted to leave the field early in his first appearance in 35 days after returning from another injury, while Van de Ven limped straight through the tunnel moments later.
The Dutch centre-back had not played since October 30 and is now not expected back until next year at the earliest, as Postecoglou revealed ahead of his side's knockout cup tie.
'Van de Ven and Romero are still chugging along. I think both will happen in the new year,” said the Spurs boss, who lamented the club's injury crisis.
He continued: “Not as serious an injury as last time with Micky, but obviously the medical team will make sure he is right to go because he has a setback.
“So at some point they're both going into the new year,” said the Australian, who was forced to find a short-term solution to the injury situation.
18-year-old Archie Gray has proven to be an effective stand-in defender despite preferring to play in midfield, while Radu Dragusin has also been given more minutes than usual.
Postecoglou also revealed that defender Destiny Udogie is doubtful for the visit of Ruben Amorim's United team as a late assessment needs to be made on his fitness.
“I guess Destiny (Udogie) doesn't have an injury last night, but he still has some pain from the match. We are not ruling him out, but we will see how he does with the turnaround,” Postecoglou said.
However, it is good news for Mikey Moore, Ben Davies and Brazilian striker Richarlison as Postecoglou confirmed the trio should be available for selection again soon.
'Mikey is back training, so hopefully not too far away. The next ineligible taxi drivers are Mikey and Ben Davies, possibly next week, and then Richarlison, perhaps in the first week of the new year,” the Spurs boss revealed.
Meanwhile, United manager Amorim will be without Mason Mount for the trip to London after coming off the Manchester derby injured, while right-back Noussair Mazraoui is also a doubt.
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