Tottenham Hotspur head into tonight’s Europa League clash with LASK Linz knowing two things.

Firstly, a victory would see them advance into the knock-out stages regardless of Royal Antwerp’s result against Ludogorets, and secondly, there’s somewhat a defensive conundrum on Jose Mourinho’s hands.

Toby Alderweireld will be missing through injury, meaning Spurs only have two senior and fit centre-back options as Joe Rodon was not able to be named in their 25-man squad for the competition.

This is hardly great news going into the north London derby on Sunday afternoon, but there isn’t much Mourinho can do about it now.

And no matter how bad things are, he has to resist the urge to hand £42m flop, Davinson Sanchez, a second chance – even in this time of need. The Colombian defender has proven time and time again to be a liability.

That much can be seen by the fact that he has been snubbed in four of their last five Premier League matches entirely, only featuring on the bench against Chelsea due to Alderweireld’s absence.

Last time out against the Austrian outfit, Mourinho named Ben Davies as a centre-back. He shouldn’t do that either. Instead, he should look to Japhet Tanganga, who isn’t afraid of European football under the lights.

The 21-year-old was injured to start the 2020/21 campaign, but he started in the 4-0 drubbing of Ludogorets last week at centre-back, so there is no reason to drop him, especially after helping the side to another clean sheet.

Tanganga should slide right in alongside Eric Dier for at least some continuity in this must-win encounter.

At one stage in his youth career, he was tipped to be the next Ledley King, and now the £45k-per-week academy sensation gets to learn under his stewardship.

King himself has been impressed by Tanganga, he told the Beautiful Game podcast: “When I watched him on the training ground, I saw someone that as a young player had a desire to put his body on the line and someone who wanted to defend. He was someone who stood out for me as he enjoyed doing it. The hard work begins for him now, as we have top defenders,”

Following his debut against none other than Liverpool, the young versatile defender even had Jurgen Klopp waxing lyrical about his talents. The Reds boss labelled him “very impressive” after the match to reporters.

Whilst it would be merciless call in swerving Sanchez once again, Tanganga playing this evening would be far more beneficial for Mourinho long-term.

AND in other news, Spurs could land their own Vardy in £27m “crazy” workhorse…