Should Tottenham consider recalling Carter-Vickers?

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Tottenham are suffering with a number of injuries ahead of their clash against Arsenal on Saturday.

Toby Alderweireld’s injury will be desperately frustrating for Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, but alarm bells will be ringing inside his head at the same time.

Belgium international Alderweireld, 28, has been ruled out until after Christmas with a hamstring injury, suffering the muscle problem in the 3-1 Champions League triumph over Real Madrid earlier this month.

Pochettino was quoted by BBC Sport ahead of Spurs’ north London derby clash against bitter rivals Arsenal as saying: “Maybe after the Christmas period is the expectation. He is a little bit sad.”

Although the former Atletico Madrid defender is likely to return before the January transfer window, his absence will open Pochettino’s eyes to a lack of depth at the back.

Utilising a three-man defence to full effect this season, Pochettino has normally started used Alderweireld alongside Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez, while Eric Dier comes in here and there.

But with Victor Wanyama still injured and Harry Winks only returning to training on Friday, England international Dier could be used in midfield by Pochettino and that leaves him with little options at the back.

Argentinian teen Juan Foyth could be drafted in alongside Sanchez and Vertonghen, but the alarming lack of depth due to injury will worry Pochettino and that should see him take action in January.

But instead of signing a new centre-back, he should look to recall Cameron Carter-Vickers from his loan at Championship high-flyers Sheffield United.

The 19-year-old powerhouse, who boasts huge strength and an unwavering prowess in the air, has starred for Chris Wilder’s Blades as they surpass expectation to sit in second place in the Championship.

Carter-Vickers has starred – in what is also a three-man defence at Bramall Lane – during his nine appearances this season, helping the Blades keep three clean sheets and concede just six goals.

His form has even seen him earn his first United States cap. Recalling him back to the Spurs side, with an FA Cup and Champions League campaign after Christmas, will remove huge concern from Pochettino’s shoulders.