Tottenham defender Emerson Royal could miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury on international duty.
Emerson, 24, has faced criticism since joining Spurs from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. Yet the right-back has produced a series of impressive performances this term to keep his place in the starting XI, despite Pedro Porro's arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January.
Emerson's form saw him recalled to the Brazil squad for the first time in more than a year after missing the World Cup in Qatar. Yet he suffered an injury at the end of Brazil's friendly against Morocco in Tangier on Saturday, with the issue requiring surgery.
Emerson will go under the knife shortly and be out for at least six weeks. If the Brazilian recovers within that time frame, he will be fit for Tottenham's final three Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and Leeds.
Yet that is a big if. Emerson's injury is the latest blow for acting manager Cristian Stellini, who was given the Tottenham job until the end of the season on Sunday after chair Daniel Levy parted company with Antonio Conte. He will be assisted by Ryan Mason.
Stellini will also be without experienced defender Ben Davies, who recently suffered a hamstring injury, until the end of April. The likes of Yves Bissouma (ankle), Hugo Lloris (knee) and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) are all close to returning to full fitness.
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Lloris is expected to be available after the international break after playing 45 minutes in a friendly against Ipswich last Thursday. Rodrigo Bentancur is a long-term absentee for Tottenham after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February.
Emerson's injury means Stellini has just one fit right-back in Porro, the 23-year-old Spain international. Djed Spence is currently on loan at Rennes, while Matt Doherty's contract was terminated by mutual consent in January to allow him to join Atletico Madrid.
Porro has started Tottenham's last three Premier League games and scored during the 3-3 draw against Southampton last time out. Emerson's injury gives Porro a chance to establish himself in England - one he needs to take if Spurs are going to be successful.
Stellini has been tasked with securing a top-four finish. The 48-year-old has spent most of his coaching career as an assistant, previously working under Conte at Inter Milan and Juventus. This is a great opportunity for Stellini to stake a claim for the main job.
Tottenham, who have not won a major trophy since their League Cup triumph in 2008, will finish the season without silverware after crashing out of the FA Cup and Champions League. Considering their situation, a top-four finish would be viewed as a success.
Spurs are fourth in the Premier League table - two points ahead of Newcastle in fifth having played two games more. Liverpool and Brighton are also in contention for a top-four spot. Tottenham's campaign continues with a trip to Everton in seven days' time.
