Igor Tudor is weighing up his defensive shape ahead of a pivotal London derby, with returning Tottenham players offering fresh options but no guarantees.
Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to get their Premier League season back on track after a difficult seven-month spell.
A London derby against Fulham is next for the Lilywhites – a side sitting 10th in the table and one that has already beaten Spurs earlier this season.
However, Igor Tudor has received a significant boost on the injury front ahead of the clash, with both Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso back in training and available for selection.
Igor Tudor on Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso return ahead of Fulham vs Tottenham
With Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso back in contention, Tudor was asked whether their returns will see him continue with a three at the back against Fulham. The difference between a back three and a back four could change where Pedro Porro lines up on Sunday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Tottenham head coach explained that he is still assessing the condition of his squad and suggested that any tactical decision will depend on how his players respond physically.
He told the official Tottenham channel: “I do not know. I do not know, because you are going to see when they are back, how they are back, what are the other players, so this is work in the work to recognise what this team can do.
“Because when you start to work, you start, but there is a game to show you how is the real situation of the team is, I mean of the physical condition, because it is fantastic to go to press ups, and that is when I speak about style.
“That is also one part of the style, how you want to be without the ball, and then if you have too much problems with the back, you need to think about the style. It is the right style, it is the right way, you can go how you want.
“So I need to be smart to understand deeper the moment and the way how to take the points, even not looking to the style now at this moment. The style needs to be in the second moment, because now it is a question of life and death, if I can say it that way, in a sporting way.”
When asked if a back four could be used, he added: “We will see. All options are there.”
Spurs must prioritise results over style against Fulham
Tudor also addressed the challenge posed by Fulham, acknowledging their structure and the stability under their current manager, Marco Silva.
Again speaking in his pre-match press conference, he highlighted Fulham’s organisation and admitted Spurs will need to raise their own levels to secure a result.
“A very good team, with a coach who is there for a long, long period. So, very recognisable team in the way how they do things. Very serious team, always difficult to beat them, so it will be tough.
“But, as I said before, we need to be focused on us, what to do, because we need to make better our performance.”