No excuses now for Postecoglou as return of Son marks new start

HEUNG-MIN SON is back from the Asian Cup and returned to Tottenham yesterday.

- Dan Kilpatrick

Yves Bissouma is out of the Africa Cup of Nations and free from suspension and about of malaria, while Pape Sarr beat him back to London after the tournament.

James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven should be nearing full sharpness following injuries, and January signings Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin have had time to bed-in.

For the first time in months, Ange Postecoglou has all his best players available and genuine squad depth for tomorrow's visit of Brighton.

The head coach has had to make do since the start of winter, his options depleted by injuries, bans and international tournaments.

The last time Spurs faced the Seagulls, a 4-2 defeat just after Christmas, Postecoglou played two full-backs in the heart of defence and his bench included three teenagers and three players who have since moved clubs.