Tottenham: Radu Dragusin chance could leave Ange Postecoglou with big decision
For the second season running, Tottenham have lost both first-choice centre-backs at the start of November, contributing to Ange Postecoglou's selection concerns for Thursday's Europa League game against Galatasaray.
Micky van de Ven suffered another hamstring strain against Manchester City last week, although not as serious as the injury which sidelined him for two months at the same stage of last season, to rule the Dutchman out until after the international break.
Cristian Romero will also miss the game in Istanbul with a foot injury, but Postecoglou hopes to have the Argentine back to face Ipswich on Sunday.
Their absences offer a further opportunity to Radu Dragusin, who is now set for his most consistent run in the side since picking Spurs over Bayern Munich in a £26.7million deal from Genoa in January.
When Van de Ven and Romero were both missing last season, Postecoglou turned to full-backs Emerson Royal and Ben Davies, who is expected to partner Dragusin in Turkey, to deputise at centre-half and Spurs' form stuttered - though the pair did start together in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Man City.
With Eric Dier unfancied by Postecoglou, the signing of Dragusin was designed to give Spurs an outstanding understudy at centre-back, capable of playing the head coach's highly technical football and pushing Romero and Van de Ven.
Dragusin did well enough in the second half of last season, notably in the reverse fixture against City, a 1-0 defeat for Spurs in north London in May, but started this campaign poorly, raising questions about his readiness to be a regular at this level.
Spurs missed Van de Ven in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in September, when Romero and Dragusin were all at sea for the hosts' winning goal, and the Romanian was jittery in the Carabao Cup win over Coventry before being sent off after just seven minutes of their Europa League opener against Qarabag.
Dragusin looked ill at ease, perhaps feeling the effects of the European Championship.
He was, though, much more impressive against City last week before starring again in the 4-1 thrashing of Villa on Sunday, suggesting he is growing into the campaign after a shaky start.
Dragusin's partnership with Davies at the end of both matches offers reasons to believe Spurs can cope with Gala's outstanding front two of Mauro Icardi and Victor Osimhen.
The Romania international has so far looked like a smart signing for Spurs but if he can build on his strong performances against City and Villa with two more strong showings this week, perhaps Postecoglou will end up with a positive selection dilemma at centre-back after the international break.
Postecoglou is also facing a headache in the final third for Thursday's match, with forwards Wilson Odobert, Richarlison (both hamstring), Timo Werner (groin) and Mikey Moore (illness) all remaining at home.
Teenage forward Will Lankshear could be given his second start up front after making his full debut in the win over Ferencvaros in Budapest, but Brennan Johnson and Heung-min Son are expected to continue on the flanks.
