Tottenham will be without Dejan Kulusevski when they face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday (17:45 GMT), but manager Ange Postecoglou could have three first-team players available again after their respective injury problems.

Postecoglou went into the game with his strongest available squad for months, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero joining Solanke in returning to a deep and talented bench. Injuries can no longer be a factor in Spurs’ performances or results.

Ange Postecoglou highlights where Tottenham went wrong in damaging AZ defeat - Spurs must overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to keep their season alive

Ange Postecoglou is one step away from being proven a liar. The Australian manager’s Tottenham had another night to forget on Friday when they beaten 1-0 by AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. It leaves the former Socceroos coach needing to overcome a one-goal disadvantage heading into the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie.

Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League campaign is at risk of coming to a premature end after a largely poor showing in the Netherlands

Latest Tottenham news with Ange Postecoglou handed three welcome injury boosts for the Europa League fixture against AZ Alkmaar

Tottenham will welcome back Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke for tonight’s Europa League last-16 first-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar. However, Ange Postecoglou will be without Dejan Kulusevski, who is sidelined with a foot injury.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is unlikely to return before the international break at the end of the month, Ange Postecoglou has said.