Ange Postecoglou handed 'nightmare' situation with three Tottenham stars set to be out after break

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou who has just won back-to-back Premier League Manager of the Month will be tested in January when three of his first-team players leave for various competitions with their countries.

Tottenham have had an unbelievable start to life in the Premier League with last-minute wins and gutsy draws that have seen them jump to the summit of the league table.

The loss of Harry Kane has had little impact on them and even injuries to established names like Ivan Parisic, Manor Solomon and even new signing Brennan Johnson has had little impact on the team.

But the test when the Africa Cup of Nations start in January means both Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will be away for at most six weeks if their countries get to the final of the competition.

Captain Son Heung-min will be travelling with Jurgen Klinsmann's Taegeuk Warriors to Qatar from January 12, 2024, until February 10, 2024, in which Spurs will have four already-scheduled matches against Manchester United, Brentford, Everton and Brighton.

Losing players to injuries is one thing, but losing the captain of your ship, and two of your most influential midfielders will test the resolve of what has otherwise been the best start to the campaign.

The Lilywhites are expected to go into the January market as they look to add quality to the team but, it remains to be seen how far the board will go to backing Postecoglou who has clearly changed the face of the club.