Tottenham could have the option to replace Randal Kolo Muani in their Champions League squad after a change to UEFA rules.
Kolo Muani was replaced at half-time during Saturday's 2-2 draw to Manchester United and has since pulled out of the France squad with a jaw injury.
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The striker collided heavily with Harry Maguire early in the match and, although he was able to play on for the rest of the half, reports in France claim he has suffered a fractured jaw.
It has since been reported that Kolo Muani does not require surgery. Although, while initial fears of a two month absence has been allayed, there is no definitive timescale of a return to action.
Should the Frenchman be sidelined for up to eight weeks, Spurs could decide to make a change to their squad for their remaining league-phase fixtures in the Champions League.
UEFA rules this season state that clubs can replace an outfield player in their squad if they have suffered a long-term injury.
That is defined as one that “lasts at least 60 days as of the day the injury or illness occurred”.
Liverpool used that rule to add Federico Chiesa to their squad earlier this season after Giovanni Leoni's injury.
Medical evidence must be provided to UEFA, who also have the right to require further medical examination by an expert of their choosing.
Clubs have the option to make the change to their squad up until matchday six, which for Spurs is on December 9 at home to Slavia Prague.
If the injured player recovers ahead of schedule, he is still ineligible until at least the end of the 60-day period.
After that point, the player can return to the squad if at least 24 hours notice is given before the next match, with the replacement dropping out.
That would mean that should Spurs now deem it necessary to replace Kolo Muani in their squad, he could potentially come back in for the matches against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in January.
If Kolo Muani's injury does prove to be a serious one, Mathys Tel would be the most likely player to be brought into the Champions League squad.
He was left out of the initial list by Thomas Frank but his availability would provide a much-needed boost. Dominic Solanke is not ready to return and Spurs are short of options up front.
Frank could also technically turn to Radu Dragusin, who is hoping to be back in first-team contention after the international break, if he wanted to strengthen in defence.
Dejan Kulusevski is also an option to come in, however he is unlikely to return until December at the earliest and will need to time to get up to speed.
Tel is therefore expected to be the one to benefit if it comes to that, though it remains to be seen how long Kolo Muani is ruled out for.
