Tottenham Hotspur have welcomed no fewer than three injured troops back to training ahead of Thursday's Europa League league phase finale at home to Elfsborg.
The Lilywhites host their Swedish foes knowing that victory will assure them of a place in the last 16 of the competition, where they currently sit sixth in the 36-team rankings.
Spurs triumphed 3-2 over Hoffenheim in their penultimate league-phase match, and knockout competitions have provided Ange Postecoglou a safe haven amid his side's Premier League plight.
The Australian's outfit have lost each of their last four top-flight encounters to languish in 15th in the standings, only eight points clear of the relegation zone after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Leicester City.
However, Tottenham's lowly position in the Premier League can be at least partially attributed to their injury crisis, as Postecoglou has often been working without a full team of players over the winter period.
Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven train before Elfsborg
© Imago
Spurs' woes appear to be easing ever so slightly, though, as all of Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario and Richarlison were out for training on Wednesday morning at Hotspur Way.
Richarlison scored on his first Premier League start of the season at the weekend before being taken off early at the start of the second half, where his change was met with boos from the Spurs faithful.
Postecoglou subsequently confirmed that the Brazilian had been feeling pain in his groin, but his participation in Wednesday's training session suggests that his concern is not serious, and he should be in with a chance of playing on Thursday.
Furthermore, Van de Ven and Vicario are seemingly closing in on comebacks from their long-term issues, as the former has not played since hurting his hamstring in December's 4-3 loss to Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Vicario is working his way back from the ankle fracture he sustained against Manchester City in November, although Postecoglou said at the start of this month that the Italian was not expected to return to competitive action before April.
New signing Antonin Kinsky is also ineligible for the Europa League until the knockout rounds, so either Fraser Forster or Brandon Austin should guard the posts in North London on Thursday.
Which Tottenham players are still unavailable?
Micky van de Ven, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison all among the group training here at Hotspur Way. No Spence, Sarr or Maddison. Romero in the gym. pic.twitter.com/9qjNINPqyK
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) January 29, 2025
Tottenham may no longer have injuries in the double figures, but Postecoglou is still expected to be deprived of eight players this week, including James Maddison and his fresh calf problem.
The English playmaker is reportedly set to miss up to three weeks with his latest concern, but Pape Sarr - who Postecoglou admitted should not have played against Leicester - is fine to feature.
Furthermore, right-back Djed Spence was nowhere to be seen as he nurses a knock, while Cristian Romero reportedly stayed in the gym, although the Argentine is closing in on a comeback.
Brennan Johnson (calf), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Dominic Solanke (knee), Timo Werner (hamstring) and Destiny Udogie (hamstring) are all guaranteed to miss Thursday's match, and none of the quintet should be back in the next couple of weeks.
Ben Knapton
