Ange Postecoglou will be without Dejan Kulusevski for the Europa League last-16 first leg against AZ Alkmaar but Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke are all set to return to the squad. Romero has not played since early December but has been back in full training for over a week, and could come into the side at centre-half, alongside Kevin Danso. Van de Ven is also fit again after a lengthy hamstring injury but Postecoglou could take a more cautious approach with the Dutchman, who made fleeting comebacks against Chelsea in December and Elfsborg in January, only to immediately return to the sidelines. Solanke's return up-front after seven weeks out with a knee injury would be a major boost but he could be saved for Sunday's visit of his former club Bournemouth in the Premier League. Postecoglou must pick two of Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie at full-back, while Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are competing for two spots in midfield. Bentancur and Bergvall have started the last four games and may keep their places on Thursday night. Mathys Tel is potentially due a rest after a series of unconvincing displays at centre-forward, so if Solanke does not start then Heung-min Son may have to deputise up front. Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson are pushing for further starts after being named in the XI against Manchester City last time out. Kulusevski is set to be sidelined until after the international break with a foot injury, while Richarlison (calf) and Ben Davies (unspecified) have also been left at home. Spurs predicted XI (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Johnson, Odobert, Son. Injured: Kulusevski, Richarlison, Davies, Dragusin Ineligible: Kinsky, Werner, Forster Time and date: 5.45pm GMT on Thursday 6 March, 2025 Venue: AFAS Stadion TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports