Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte will be able to welcome Cristian Romero back to the first XI for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Aston Villa.

Brazilian attacking duo Richarlison (thigh) and Lucas Moura (tendon) remain out of contention for the hosts, while Rodrigo Bentancur's groin injury is more serious than first feared, and he will miss out too.

However, Romero is in line to return following Argentina's World Cup triumph, while Djed Spence (illness) could take his customary place on the bench if he recovers in time for the New Year's Day battle.

Hugo Lloris watched on from the bench as Fraser Forster conceded twice to Brentford on Boxing Day, and the Frenchman will be back in goal here, likely renewing hostilities with Emiliano Martinez in the process.

Romero's return spells danger for Japhet Tanganga, who was not at the races against Brentford, but Clement Lenglet was the standout centre-back on the day and could fend off competition from Ben Davies to hold his place alongside Eric Dier.

Yves Bissouma - who is now one booking away from a ban - will likely hold his spot in place of Bentancur, as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Matt Doherty and Ivan Perisic link up with the Mali international once more.

An unchanged front three will likely see Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min provide support to Harry Kane, who is the leading Premier League goalscorer on New Year's Day with five strikes.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Lloris; Romero, Dier, Lenglet; Doherty, Hojbjerg, Bissouma, Perisic; Kulusevski, Kane, Son