Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte travels to Italy to face AC Milan in the Champions League without three of his regular central midfielders.
Prior to the disappointing 4-1 defeat to Leicester City at the weekend, Conte knew that he would be without the services of Yves Bissouma and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Bissouma recently underwent ankle surgery, while Hojbjerg is suspended after receiving three yellow cards in the group stage, but Conte has now been left without another midfielder after Rodrigo Bentancur sustained a season-ending injury at the weekend.
The Uruguay international appeared to be in pain when he left the pitch in the second half against Leicester, and following further assessment, it has been revealed that he has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which will sideline him for six to seven months.
After returning from injury, Pape Sarr was sent on as Bentancur's replacement at the weekend, and the 20-year-old may be thrust into the spotlight to make his first Champions League appearance on Tuesday.
Sarr could be accompanied in the middle of the park by Oliver Skipp, who is also in line for a rare start during the current campaign.
Fraser Forster came into the side on Saturday, and the goalkeeper is set to experience a run of games in the absence of Hugo Lloris, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
Following a woeful defensive display against Leicester, Cristian Romero will immediately be recalled to the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension.
Emerson Royal could replace Pedro Porro, who will not have fond memories of his debut, largely in part due to the brilliance of Harvey Barnes, who proved to be a constant threat down Porro's flank on Saturday.
Ivan Perisic faces very little competition for his left wing-back position, especially as Ryan Sessegnon will reportedly be sidelined for six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in training.
While Sessegnon visits the Tottenham physios, Lucas Moura recently left the Tottenham treatment room to take up a place on the bench on Saturday.
Moura will remain among the substitutes for the first leg, with Conte set to keep faith with a front three of Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane, who were all below par against Leicester.
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:Forster; Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Sarr, Skipp, Perisic; Kulusevski, Son; Kane
Click here to see how AC Milan could line up for this fixture. body check tags ::
