Tottenham boss Thomas Frank facing midfield dilemma after Newcastle injury blow

Tottenham are expected to shuffle their pack when they bid to eliminate holders Newcastle from the Carabao Cup

Thomas Frank faces a midfield dilemma on Wednesday night when he selects his Tottenham team to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. The Dane has already said on record during Monday’s press conference that he’s considering changes as he seeks to strike the right balance on Tyneside.

Archie Gray looks set to miss the trip after picking up a muscular injury in training. Gray had been in line to start in midfield after recently featuring at left-back in the 0-0 Champions League draw at Monaco.

The young Englishman has been itching for more opportunities particularly in the centre of the park. Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have played plenty of football to date and there is a strong chance Palhinha could fill in at centre-back if Frank decides to rest Micky van de Ven.

Bentancur is also the kind of player you can depend on in these type of matches when the home team are expected to enjoy large spells of possession.

The Uruguayan is in form but this could be the chance to hand him some rest ahead of the visit of Chelsea.

Pape Matar Sarr looks a shoo-in as the Senegal international scored on Sunday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and has been desperately out of favour of late.

Sarr always provides huge energy in the middle of the pitch and he’ll be keen to send another message to his head coach if he gets the nod.

Who partners him is now up for debate but there appears to be a serious chance Lucas Bergvall could play as a No.8.

The Swede has had a mixed campaign to date after winning Tottenham’s Player of the Year award last term.

There is also a chance he could play as a No.10, although given Xavi Simons was subbed on the hour mark at Everton, it wouldn’t be a surprise to the Dutchman handed a starting berth of Tyneside.

Ultimately, the key factor that will shape Frank’s selection is whether he’s prepared to unleash Van de Ven, Palhinha and Bentancur again.

Spurs are in the midst of an unforgiving run of fixtures and the Carabao Cup is unlikely to be of greater priority than both the Premier League and Champions League, respectively.