Archie Gray secretly buzzing at latest Tottenham injury blow - verdict
Archie Gray has been the victim of an overwhelming depth of options since he arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in 2024.
The 20-year-old made just 18 Premier League starts in 2025-26, and while he already started three league games this term, it's often out of position.
That is the reality that the centre midfielder has been forced to settle for since leaving Leeds United, and one that isn't likely to change.
Roberto De Zerbi has an abundance of talent in the middle of the park, including Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher.
Due to the number of new arrivals, De Zerbi is even having to play Fernandes out of position after his £85million move from West Ham United.
Nothing is going right for the Lilywhites this season, shown by their standing in the Premier League table and being knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
Pedro Porro blow confirmed away from Tottenham
It has gotten even worse for De Zerbi in recent days after Pedro Porro was replaced just 19 minutes into the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
The World Cup winner is one of Spurs' most talented players at both ends of the pitch, but they could be without him for a long period of time.
Porro has already spent time on the sidelines, and the 27-year-old has already admitted that he's facing another battle to return after pulling out of international duty for Spain.
Of course, this is an unbelievable blow for Spurs, but it isn't bad news for everyone at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Gray may be forced to deputise at right-back even more, but it will mean consistent minutes in the lineup while his teammate recovers.
Who else could benefit from the Tottenham injury?
In the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, no Tottenham player created more chances than Porro, so he will leave a huge gap in the team.
One player who could be given an opportunity, instead of Gray, is 20-year-old James Rowswell, who made his debut against Liverpool last season.
The right-back notched two goals and two assists in 15 Premier League 2 games last term, and deserves a chance under De Zerbi.
Of course, the current situation would be difficult for any youngster to come into, but Rowswell has plenty of talent and could be an alternative to Gray.