We all know that Mauricio Pochettino is not one who panics in the transfer market. The Lilywhites could have splurged in the January transfer window after Harry Kane suffered an ankle injury against Manchester United (The Guardian), yet he held firm, making it two straight windows without a new signing as he trusted what he had.
This summer, though, during another transfer window, Pochettino has been hit with yet another injury crisis, this time not in his striking department, but at right-back. Kieran Trippier was sold to Atletico Madrid back in July whilst Serge Aurier is recovering from a hand injury, leaving just Kyle Waker-Peters and Juan Foyth.
However, what was four has now become just one, as with Trips sold and Aurier injured, Foyth has joined the Ivorian in the treatment room after being stretchered off with what looked to be an achilles issue against Bayern Munich on Wednesday during their Audi Cup final success.
It made for worrying scenes, as after hobbling half-way around the pitch having been substituted, Foyth then collapsed and required a stretcher to be carried down the tunnel with his issue, and the initial fears amongst the supporters were clear to see, especially seeing as they have just eight days until Aston Villa come to town for their Premier League opener.
It could mean that Pochettino and Daniel Levy make a late move for a right-back. Sky Sports reported in early June that Japanese international Hiroki Sakai could be looked to as an option at right-full-back should he be needed late in the window, and he could well be needed given the injury issues.
Kyle Walker-Peters has looked very good during pre-season and the fans will be keen to see him take his form into the Premier League season, but having some extra rotation for him whilst his fellow right-backs recover from injury would relieve a lot of pressure and prevent Pochettino having to call-up George Marsh, who’s been used in the position in pre-season.