Tottenham star Destiny Udogie has hinted he is edging closer to a return from injury as Ange Postecoglou remains without 10 players. The Italian has been absent because of a hamstring issue picked up in late December, with it later revealed he would miss the next six weeks.

Archie Gray and Djed Spence have both been deployed at left-back in his absence, with the latter particularly impressing. However, as Spence was not named in Spurs' Europa League squad, Gray was tasked with the responsibilities away to Hoffenheim on Thursday.

Despite Pape Matar Sarr and Dominic Solanke, with the latter likely out until March, being the latest two players to join the growing injury list, the Lilywhites secured a needed three points with a 3-2 victory. James Maddison grabbed the opening goal after just three minutes, with Son Heung-min also bagging a brace.

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Goals from Anton Stach and David Mokwa brought the German club back into the game on two separate occasions, but Spurs were able to hold on despite having five teenagers on the pitch at the final whistle. Postecoglou reiterated that fact in his press conference, seemingly in a clear cry for help to Daniel Levy and Johan Lange.

"Just outstanding by the players, full credit to them. Winning away in Europe is always difficult irrespective of the situation you're in, but with the situation we’re in, just a really unbelievable effort," he said.

"Great leadership by the experienced players. We really needed them to stand up today. I thought Madders, Sonny, Rodrigo and Benny were outstanding. We finished with five teenagers, Brandon’s first game in Europe and second game overall.

"I think you take European victories for granted, but it was a really unbelievable effort and a really strong-willed group of players today and credit to them." With Spurs back in action against Leicester City in just a few days, a very similar starting XI will likely be named just because Postecoglou has minimal choice.

However, defensive reinforcements are on the horizon with Cristian Romero back in full training and Micky van de Ven in line to make his return to the grass next week. Udogie, meanwhile, is still in the gym, but he has dropped a huge injury hint that he may be back earlier than expected.

On Wednesday, via Instagram stories, Udogie reposted a video of himself working towards a recovery in the gym, initially uploaded to @official_mr.j. At the very bottom of the clip, a caption reads: "70%". Given he is over halfway into his expected recovery period, the 22-year-old certainly seems to be suggesting he is nearing full capacity.

Having had quad surgery last summer, it is likely Udogie will be eased back into action, especially with Spence, Gray and now Ben Davies all capable of playing in his role.

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