Tottenham Hotspur face Everton knowing that another difficult Premier League fixture awaits them, but their preparations have been complicated by the injury to new signing Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian winger had only recently returned to competitive football and made his Tottenham debut from the bench in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest. His return was viewed as an important development for Roberto De Zerbi, who hoped the winger could provide additional attacking speed and creativity.
Unfortunately for Tottenham, Mudryk suffered an ankle injury during training.
His absence comes at an especially difficult moment for Spurs. The club have taken only one point from their opening three Premier League matches and have struggled to consistently produce attacking danger.
The arrival of Mudryk was expected to provide another option on the wings. His pace could have offered Tottenham a way of stretching opposition defences and creating space for their central attackers.
Without him, De Zerbi must rely on his other attacking options.
Tottenham will also be under pressure to improve their finishing. Their inability to convert opportunities has become one of the most obvious problems during their difficult opening weeks.
Everton, meanwhile, will arrive determined to take advantage of Tottenham’s uncertainty.
The match could therefore become a test of Spurs’ mentality. After a disappointing start, they need a positive result to prevent pressure from increasing around the team.
De Zerbi will be hoping his players respond with energy and aggression from the opening whistle.
For Mudryk, the immediate priority is recovery. The club will not want to rush him back, particularly after the player has already endured a difficult period away from competitive football.
Tottenham need results, but they also need their key players healthy.
Against Everton, the team will have to find a way to produce the attacking threat they had hoped Mudryk would provide.
