How Tottenham plans could change after injury update at Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur are just days away from a return to action against Manchester United.
It has been a difficult season for Spurs and that hasn't been helped by the extended international break.
Losing 3-2 to Aston Villa was a major blow and came on a day where a win felt paramount.
Instead the hosts fell three behind and only made the scoreline look respectable with some late consolation goals.
Things need to change, and fast, for Roberto De Zerbi and that could start at Old Trafford.
Tottenham need all the luck to swing in their favour, and the Man United latest could point in that direction.
Who could be missing for Manchester United vs Tottenham?
The Lilywhites haven't secured victory against the Red Devils since the Europa League final.
It has been well over a year since that day, with a draw and a defeat filling in the gap.
That record has to change this time around - something that won't be easy away against Michael Carrick's side.
Spurs have at least been given an advantage in the shape of the latest injury news at Old Trafford.
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui could miss out after picking up injuries on international duty.
Benjamin Sesko, Amad Diallo and Matthijs De Ligt didn't depart for action with their country, but also weren't seen in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne at Carrington on Friday.
That isn't to say that they didn't feature, but that has prompted "some doubt" as to whether they will play on Sunday.
This news could give De Zerbi an upper hand, but how will it impact his preparations?
How Tottenham can beat Manchester United
There is no getting away from the fact that these injuries will have an effect on the Red Devils.
The bigger question for Tottenham is about how they can adapt.
United going without Sesko likely means that Matheus Cunha will be starting upfront, giving the Spurs defenders a different challenge.
The Brazilian scored last time out against Fulham, while also creating three chances and maintaining a 100 per cent dribble success.
That may make things difficult for the N17 outfit, but the absence of de Ligt may swing things in their favour.
Should he miss out at Old Trafford, Lisandro Martinez will likely start.
He scored an own goal last time out while failing to win a single tackle or put up a single block.
That sort of output should excite someone like Dominic Solanke, who is yet to get off the mark this season.
There are small wins that Tottenham could take, but everything needs to come together for them to seal victory on Sunday.