Antonio Conte will have to deal with a major blow to his Tottenham squad, with Cristian Romero's injury. football.london reported on Wednesday evening that the Argentine is set to miss three to four weeks.
This is a big disadvantage for Spurs, with Romero becoming one of the key parts of Conte's back line and performing well, on a consistent basis. However, this could be a good test for the Lilywhites.
This summer the Italian has needed to bring new players to N17, to increase the size of the squad and quality in depth. Therefore this is not only other players' chance to impress, but also Conte has no choice but to use the depth that he has built.
READ MORE: Cristian Romero injury blow for Antonio Conte with Tottenham defender set for spell out of team
Although they may not be everyone's first choice, the Italian does have options for right-sided centre-backs. This weekend will give at least one of them the opportunity to prove they can step up because if they can't, it could lead Tottenham to dip into the transfer market to find a replacement.
Ahead of Spurs' weekend clash against Wolves, football.london takes a look at the options Conte has, to replace Romero.
Davinson Sanchez
Sanchez is arguably the most obvious choice to replace the Argentina international, as he did when Romero was injured last season. The 26-year-old made 23 Premier League appearances during the 2021/22 campaign and produced a mixture of performances.
The Colombian did make a number of mistakes during matches and it made some fans question his future at Tottenham. However when he had to fill in for Romero at the end of last season, Sanchez showed that he can step up.
Conte has previously labelled the defender as a "reliable player" and praised his performances. "I want to say that Patron Sanchez, he played his last game in the starting XI maybe two-and-a-half months ago and he worked a lot, he worked very well and to see him tonight have this performance makes me and my staff very happy," the 53-year-old said in earlier this year.
Therefore Sanchez could get his first start of the season on Saturday and it will be a big chance for him to prove himself.
Japhet Tanganga
Tanganga is another potential option to fill in at right centre-back. The 23-year-old is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back, right-back and even right wing-back.
However he has struggled to get regular game time under Conte and that has led to questions over his future in north London. The defender has been linked with a number of clubs, including AC Milan and Roma.
Whether a move gets over the line before deadline day is one question and if it does, it will be interesting to see if it is a loan or a permanent deal. Either way it could be a good opportunity for Tanganga to get regular game time, develop as a player and maybe figure out what his strongest position is.
Whilst he is still in Conte's squad, the youngster could be called upon, against Wolves. Tanganga made just 11 league appearances last season and struggled to push himself up the pecking order.
However the Italian may give the defender the chance to impress, before making a final decision on his place in the Tottenham squad.
Clement Lenglet
Lenglet is yet to make his first start with Spurs and wasn't involved in the Chelsea matchday squad, due to an injury Conte explained, ahead of the London derby. "It's a little problem of fatigue and he's a bit tired in his adductor," he said.
"Nothing serious, only a precaution but it's not good to take a stupid risk for one game. He's having training sessions apart but I think it's good for him to recover well and to have a good training session before he comes back with us."
The French international was brought in as another option on the left side of the back three, with Ben Davies having no real competition for his place last season. Although left-footed, Lenglet has previously made features on the right.
With this not being his most comfortable side and still settling into playing at Spurs, it would seem an unlikely choice. However if Lenglet is fit, he could be an option for Conte.
Emerson Royal
Another less likely right centre-back choice would be Royal. The Brazilian is another who has produced some mixed performances and has split the fan base.
Royal has also been linked with a move away this summer and some of his play already this season has indicated why. However in the 4-1 win against Southampton, especially in the second half, the defender showed the impact he can make.
The 23-year-old set up the own goal and assisted Dejan Kulusevski, making some impact in attack, which he is usually lacking. His display against Chelsea wasn't great, although there weren't many Tottenham players who did produce a great performance.
Royal has been playing as a right-back and right-wing-back. However his defensive qualities are where his strengths lie, so could he step-in for Romero?
Conte has both Matt Doherty and Djed Spence as options for the right flank role, with Lucas Moura also featuring as a right wing-back. Therefore if Royal was given the nod, the Italian wouldn't be short of choices to fill his usual spot.
However with it being an unfamiliar position for the Brazilian, it would seem unlikely.
Of course, the absence of Romero is a blow, but injuries are something Tottenham are going to have to get used to, especially this season and with the number of upcoming fixtures. Conte needs to utilise the depth of his squad and this is why the Spurs players need to be ready to be called upon, whenever required.
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