How will Tottenham look without Harry Kane?

Tottenham’s squad looks extremely thing, with an injury to Harry Kane and Heung-min Son on international duty. How will they cope?

After failing to make any summer signings, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will have to reach into the reserves for their match this weekend against Fulham.

Late in stoppage time in their last match against Manchester United, Harry Kane went down injured, but was able to limp off the field on his own power. It was later reveled Kane damaged the ligaments in his left ankle and wouldn’t recover until early March.

Kane has added to the injury woes facing Tottenham, and joins Moussa Sissoko, Victor Wanyama, Lucas Moura and Eric Dier on the injury list. Meanwhile, Heung-min Son left on international duty to join the Republic of Korea at the Asian Cup, and Moussa Dembele is off to China, having finalized his transfer to Guangzhou R&F.

Pochettino is now facing a major dilemma in his midfield and forward lines, although the defense looks fully fit, which is something of a rarity this season.

The only fit forward is Fernando Llorente, who Pochettino doesn’t seem to favor to lead the lines That leaves Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Harry Winks and Erik Lamela as proven midfield options.

With only five proven forwards and midfielders, Pochettino will likely line up with five defenders — a formation he often switches to — with Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertongen centrally, and Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies at wing-back.

Spurs have preferred a diamond midfield in recent weeks, with Winks at the base, Eriksen and Sissoko on the sides and Alli at the top. With Sissoko out, Alli will likely drop to the right side of the diamond and Lamela will move to the front, ostensibly playing as a forward alongside Llorente — as long as Pochettino trusts the Spaniard to lead his line.

Fulham aren’t exactly heavy hitters, so a five-man backline might be overkill to defend against a relegation candidate.

The other option for Pochettino is Oliver Skipp, who has begun to see some first team minutes this season. He could slot into Sissoko’s role, and the side would remain with four at the back.

There is a possibility Lucas Moura is fit in time. He would be another option to play as a forward in that 4-1-2-1-2 system, or displace Llorente should Pochettino prefer to play five defenders.

Despite the issues for Tottenham, they would be happy that the injuries have come at the time they have with the upcoming league fixtures.

After Fulham, Tottenham face Watford, Newcastle, Leicester and Burnley in the next five matches.

The only problem with the timing is the return leg of the Carabao Cup Semifinal on Jan. 24 against Chelsea. By then, Moura should certainly be fully fit, but Kane, Wanyama, Dier and Son will miss out as Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge to defend a 1-0 lead.