Talk to the people behind the scenes, and they will explain that the injury is the most relevant factor behind Tottenham's plight.

Many others, including sons Heung -Min, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison and Guglielmo Vicario, have spent extended spells off the court this season - many have muscular problems.

James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Kulusevski are not available in Bilbao. The son started the bench because he was deemed inappropriate until recently returning from injury.

Indeed, multiple sources told BBC Sport that the club’s record of brutal injuries has been at the heart of friction between coaching team members and medical and strength and regulators.

A good source said: "It's a game of blame."

Sources say Richarlison's injury battle proved the bones of the debate, especially after he recently returned from his respective ham hamstring and groin injuries, with Brazil International suffering subsequent CALF injuries, according to sources.

There are other examples of this season, with neither Postecoglou's team nor medical and fitness departments seeing the eyes.

Has postecoglou pushed players too hard? Or is there any fault in the strength, conditions and medical departments? The answers will vary depending on who you are talking to.

Interestingly, it is understood that medical staff and managers did not always remain consistent during the Celtic post-Occlou reign.

It is necessary to add that Tottenham tensions have eased in recent weeks as clubs’ walking injuries restored availability while the latter tried to rest for his players for a few days in recent months - they canceled his balance from the Calaba Cup and FA Cup.

Nevertheless, the club has suffered a huge amount of muscle damage this season, indicating issues that need to be corrected.

With normal at the end of the season, Tottenham Hotspur will review the sport in a bid to make departmental improvements before the next season.

With Vinai Venkatesham’s upcoming new CEO, the current Chief Football Officer Scott Munn’s position is likely to be under scrutiny at the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur also returned to the club with former football player Fabio Paratici's former managing director after withdrawing in 2023 after his appeal against a stolen financial irregularity of two-and-a-half-year ban, which was rejected by the Italian Supreme Sports Court in Juventus.

It is also fair to assume that the club’s horrible injury record will be part of the review process.

The benefit of the club's injury problem is the development of 19-year-old Bergvall and Archie Gray this season.

Both teenagers are expected to perform first-line positions in the first team this season - but so far, the two have made 88 appearances between them.

While it is acknowledged that this experience will be invaluable for both players’ development, it is also accepted that this situation is far from ideal for clubs that are expected to be challenging in the top five.