Tottenham players have caught a break from the toxic environment at club level as many of them take time away with their countries. The international break has come at a good time for Spurs too, with decisions able to be made over the future of Antonio Conte a breathing room given to the squad.
They are under a strain already though with injuries and Conte - or Cristian Stellini - will be hoping that the players can come through the fortnight away in good shape. Spurs are ultimately still in a serious top four battle and have a task to make themselves an attractive proposition for potential new managers in the coming months.
Central to that will be Harry Kane. Unsurprisingly the all-time top scorer remains integral for both club and country and became England's leading marksman as well with a penalty against Italy on Thursday.
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It wasn't all simple for Kane though as he, alongside Bukayo Saka, was fouled consistently with the home side making double the amount of Gareth Southgate's men. Kane did end up with the last laugh, winning the game for his team, but with Champions League qualification on the line it is always a worry when he goes down.
With Richarlison already out injured there is little room for manoeuvre. The Brazilian was taken off after just five minutes against Southampton and has had his torrid season continue.
Elsewhere Rodrigo Bentancur remains out with Hugo Lloris as long-term absentees. "We can confirm that Rodrigo has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will be out of action for the remainder of the campaign," a statement read earlier this season. The Uruguayan had been a massive hit for the club in midfield and has left an inexperienced set up for Conte to rely on.
Club captain Lloris is still out too with a knee injury picked up against Manchester City. He will be hoping for a return as soon as possible after the international break. "About Hugo, this I don't know but maybe he won't be ready," Conte admitted before the break.
Wing-back Ryan Sessegnon has also been out of action since February after picking up a knock in training ahead of the loss to Leicester. "We have a problem with Ryan, but that was clear from the last game - he wasn't in the squad and now, he is not available," was the latest on him before Conte added more.
"We have players that had serious injuries. Sessegnon won't be ready after the international break, it's the same for Bissouma," the Italian has revealed. Bissouma is another that has been out for more than a month, leaving midfield supplies short. "We can confirm that Yves will undergo surgery on Friday to repair a stress fracture to his left ankle," the club said at the time. "A timeframe for his return will be determined after surgery."
The latest blow has come in the form of defender Ben Davies. The Welshman is now likely to be out for between four to six weeks himself, football.london understands. After a hamstring strain picked up in the draw to Southampton, Spurs' 29-year-old is the next name on a growing list of players out as the season approaches the final straight.
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