It seems as if Ange Postecoglou still has the backing of the board and his players, but patience among supporters is wearing thin.

The Greek-Australian’s team remain ravaged by injuries and there have doubtlessly been mitigating circumstances for Tottenham’s woeful run over the past couple of months. Their woes on the availability front have seemingly worsened ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Hoffenheim, but Postecoglou should get some of his players back next month.

This competition is crucial for the Spurs boss, and a top-eight spot would be ideal given that a battered squad would avoid two extra play-off games in a bid to reach the round of 16.

With Tottenham currently ninth in the league phase table, Thursday’s bout is significant. Here’s how they could line up against Hoffenheim.

GK: Brandon Austin – Antonin Kinsky isn’t eligible and Fraser Forster hasn’t featured in a matchday squad this year. Austin could make his second start for the club with number one Guglielmo Vicario also out.

RB: Pedro Porro – It’s been a wretched campaign for Porro thus far, but the Spaniard has come out since the Everton defeat and continued to back his manager. Postecoglou could do with an uptick in form from his right-back.

CB: Radu Dragusin – The Romanian international was an injury concern after Sunday’s game, but he trained ahead of flying out to Germany and should continue in the team.

CB: Archie Gray – Gray was utilised in a hybrid role at the weekend, with Postecoglou unlikely to opt for a back three out of possession on Thursday. The youngster should return to the role he’s started to grow familiar with.

LB: Ben Davies – With Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon both unregistered, Davies, who returned from injury at the weekend, is expected to start at left-back with Destiny Udogie sidelined.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Bentancur has been out for a couple of weeks with a concussion, and has struggled to be available for much of 2024/25. Spurs could desperately do with some stability from their classy Uruguayan midfielder.

CM: Lucas Bergvall – The teenage Swede has stood out amid Spurs’ tumult and will continue in the side with Pape Sarr the latest to succumb to Tottenham’s injury bug.

CM: James Maddison – Maddison’s numbers are pretty impressive this term, but Spurs need more from their chief playmaker amid their ongoing strife. He hasn’t come to the fore since shining at the Etihad.

RW: Dejan Kulusevski – Kulusevski’s best work has come in a central position this season, but Postecoglou will likely be forced to use him out wide again on Thursday in Brennan Johnson’s absence. The 24-year-old scored a lovely goal at Goodison Park.

ST: Richarlison – With Dominic Solanke out, Tottenham require another £60m arrival to stand up. Priority number one: stay fit. Priority number two: score a few.

LW: Mikey Moore – Son Heung-min’s role has to be diminished. It’s time for Moore to come to the fore having produced a bright cameo at Goodison Park on Sunday. The teenager has the talent to ignite this slumping Tottenham team.

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