Tottenham are without key duo Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for their clash against Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Their absences leave Antonio Conte with a growing list of injuries at the club, all coming at a far-from-ideal time for the coach.
It could make the clash against the Magpies even trickier, given their start to the campaign so far. The visitors sit sixth in the Premier League, falling to defeat just once in 11 games played - earning four wins and six draws in their other matches so far.
Conte has already spoken about their threat for not only this season but those to come, saying ahead of the game: "You have to consider Newcastle for the present and for the future as a danger, as a dangerous team for the first position, for the Champions League position, for the fight to win trophies. For sure, Newcastle also needed a bit of time, but they have the potential to go into the market, and they did this also this summer and to become one of the best teams in England.
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"For this reason, many clubs have to pay great attention because, in my opinion, I see Newcastle in the future becoming really, really dangerous for a place in the Champions League and to win trophies."
It certainly won't be an easy game against Eddie Howe's side, but the challenge was made far more challenging by the loss of both Hojbjerg and Romero in the side. The pair have been regular starters over the past season or two, adding not only their quality but the personality to continue battling.
While their loss will be huge, the reason for their absence is through a minor injury each, meaning there will be hopes that they could return to action as soon as possible. With such a congested fixture schedule before the break for the World Cup, squad depth is proving crucially important for Spurs, and they'll need those filling in to do their job as well as possible.
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