Three ways Tottenham could cope with Sanchez suspension

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Mauricio Pochettino has another defensive issue to deal with at Tottenham.

Tottenham’s central-defensive options, which were already somewhat stretched owing to the injury to Toby Alderweireld, have been reduced further still, with Davinson Sanchez set to miss three games through suspension following his red card in the 1-1 draw against Watford.

Sanchez has made an encouraging start to his Tottenham career since joining from Ajax but Tottenham do have some options to consider in terms of coping without him for the upcoming Premier League games against Stoke City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City.

Move Dier back to defence

Eric Dier has played at centre-back on many occasions for Tottenham and appears the most likely choice to step in while Sanchez is out.

If that option is taken then Mauricio Pochettino must make an alteration in midfield, which could see Harry Winks or Moussa Sissoko return to the starting line-up.

Dier is significantly more effective in midfield but he should be able to cope at centre-back with Jan Vertonghen alongside him.

Revert to a back three

Pochettino deployed a back three up until recently and has the option of switching back to that formation.

In the current circumstances, Tottenham’s first choice back three would probably consist of Dier, Vertonghen and Ben Davies, with the latter having been as a centre-back at times both at club level and on international duty with Wales.

That, in turn, would enable Danny Rose to have a run in the side at left wing-back.

Give Foyth a chance

Juan Foyth is still awaiting his Premier League debut after joining from Estudiantes and the 19-year-old is rather raw but he possesses vast potential.

Ideally Foyth will have gotten a run-out against APOEL Nicosia in the Champions League this week and if he impresses sufficiently, Pochettino should take a risk and give the youngster an opportunity to play in the top flight.

Overall, Tottenham have several options to cope with Sanchez’s unavailability and this represents a good chance for Pochettino to call upon Foyth, as doing so would enable Dier to continue in midfield and wouldn’t cause too much change in the team.