Brazilian legend Rivaldo has called on his compatriot Lucas Moura to step up to fill the hole left by the injury to Tottenham strikers Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Kane is still in recovery after sustaining a hamstring injury during the New Year's Day defeat to Southampton and is set to be on the sidelines for some time yet, while Son suffered a fractured arm in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
The South Korean was due to undergo surgery this week and football.london understands he could be out of action for anywhere between six to 12 weeks.
That leaves Jose Mourinho without a recognised striker, something that was evident in the 1-0 Champions League defeat against RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening.
Speaking to Betfair, Rivaldo says that it is now up to the other attacking players to make an impact in the strikers' absence.
"Tottenham aren't getting any luck this season with two of their best attackers - Harry Kane and Son Heung-min - picking up long term injuries. For that reason, Jose Mourinho needs the other attackers to step up while Dele Alli and Lucas Moura have additional responsibility," he said.
"The Brazilian could be crucial for the club in this phase of the season. Spurs lost 1-0 at home to RB Leipzig on Wednesday and it's now going to be tough for Spurs to reach Champions quarter-finals. But it's still possible and if there is one player capable of turning around tough ties, it's Moura as we saw last season in Amsterdam when he scored a hat-trick and Spurs came from behind to beat Ajax 3-2.
"Moura has received some criticism recently but I think he's having a good season and establishing himself as a regular starter. His team need him badly right now and he could play a pivotal role as they try to finish in the Premier League top four - or five, depending on what happens to City - and qualify for next season's Champions League."
Moura has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
