How Tottenham Hotspur could line up against Aston Villa

Prior to last weekend's 3-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, Ange Postecoglou said that the South American would miss up to three weeks with a knee injury, but Richarlison then told ESPN Brasil that he was on track for an unexpected comeback this weekend.

However, Postecoglou has always warned supporters not to take players' word as gospel, and Richarlison's chances of making a rapid return in the West Midlands are still considered slim.

Pedro Porro has a better chance of recovering from his strain but will still need a once-over this weekend, while Fraser Forster (foot), Manor Solomon (knee) and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) are all out.

Porro's potential return could see the Spaniard take Emerson Royal's spot on the right-hand side of the backline, where Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven will feature as ever.

Pape Sarr's minutes are being carefully managed due to a back issue, so the Senegal international may start Sunday's fixture on the bench once more as Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur link arms in the centre of the park.

Fresh from netting his first Lilywhites goal in the success over Palace, Timo Werner will benefit from Richarlison's likely absence to join Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Son Heung-min in the attacking quartet.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner; Son