Coventry City injury news and preview for Tottenham clash

Coventry City travel to Tottenham this weekend with key striker Taiwo Awoniyi returning from suspension as they aim to extend a two-game winning run. The Sky Blues, who sit 16th in the Premier League with six points, face a Spurs side severely hampered by injuries and suspensions.

Frank Lampard confirmed Awoniyi is available for selection after serving a ban. Kaine Kesler-Hayden is also in line for a return to action, having resumed training with the squad. The manager must decide whether to recall the experienced Awoniyi or keep faith with young striker Sidiki Cherif, who scored in the 4-1 win over Newcastle.

Coventry's selection dilemmas

Lampard used a back four in that victory but may consider a switch to a three-man defence for the trip to north London. Such a change could see Stephen Mfuni, another scorer against Newcastle, come into the lineup. That tactical shift might see one of the front four players drop out, with Ephron Mason-Clark a potential candidate. Midfield competition is also tight, with Frank Onyeka and Caleb Yirenkyi vying for one spot.

Injury concerns persist elsewhere in the squad. Josh Eccles remains on the treatment table with an ankle issue, while Luke Woolfenden is expected to be out for a longer period. Major blows come with Haji Wright and summer signing Aurele Amenda both facing lengthy absences with quad and muscle injuries respectively, keeping them out until at least December. For the full injury list, see our dedicated page.

Tottenham's lengthy absentee list

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed his side could be without as many as 10 players. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended following a red card, while Pedro Porro, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Mykhailo Mudryk, Savio and Lucas Bergvall are all injured. Dejan Kulusevski is a doubt but could make the matchday squad for the first time in over 500 days, likely from the bench.

This presents a significant opportunity for Coventry, who have won their last two matches to climb the league table. Their recent form reads two wins and three losses from the last five, a sequence they will be desperate to build on. A victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would see them leapfrog their hosts, who currently sit 20th.

Lampard's side will look to their recent scorers for inspiration. As well as Cherif and Mfuni, Jack Rudoni and Ellis Simms were also on target in the emphatic Newcastle win. The manager has options, and the return of Awoniyi adds a proven goal threat. They face Tottenham away on Saturday 19 October, a key fixture in their bid to move further from the relegation zone.

The original report is at Football London