Tottenham's hopes of ending an 11-year wait for silverware this season have been dealt an enormous blow with the news that talisman Harry Kane will be sidelined until the middle of March.
The England striker, who has scored 20 goals in all competitions for Spurs this season, damaged ankle ligaments in Sunday's 1-0 home defeat by Manchester United.
Kane is expected to miss 11 matches, including meetings with Chelsea in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, plus both legs of their Champions League last-16 showdown with Borussia Dortmund.
Tottenham will be without Harry Kane until mid-March after he suffered ankle ligament damage during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Manchester United
Mauricio Pochettino has been given a further headache by Son Heung-min's absence from potentially another five matches should they go all the way in the Asian Cup currently ongoing in the United Arab Emirates.
It undoubtedly leaves Spurs short in attack entering what could prove to be a defining phase of their season.
Pochettino's team, who are nine points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League, head to Fulham on Sunday before they defend a 1-0 first-leg lead against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
A fourth round FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace follows before a trio of Wembley league fixtures against Watford, Newcastle United and Leicester City lead into their next European assignment.
A crunch visit to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea awaits them on February 24, while there is also the small matter of a north London derby at home to Arsenal on March 2.
So how will Pochettino solve his attacking dilemma ahead of a crucial run of fixtures? Sportsmail examines the options.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino faces a selection headache over his front line
Son Heung-min is away on international duty with South Korea at the Asian Cup in the UAE
Probably the most likely solution is to introduce Lucas Moura to a more regular centre forward role.
The Brazilian has consistently impressed since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain a little over a year ago, offering plenty of flair and the occasional spectacular goal.
Lucas has scored eight times this season and has become a regular starter, albeit usually in a wide position.
However, he has also occupied the main stiker's role from time to time and with some success - he scored two goals playing alongside Kane in the 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in August.
Brazilian winger Lucas Moura could adapt to occupy a more central role and lead the line
The only difference from previous experience is that Lucas would be playing up front alone rather than with Kane's assistance and you wonder if he would have the physical presence to unsettle an opposition back line.
What he does have though is pace and skill, so there's no question Lucas could perform the job if aided by an attacking midfield trio of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela behind him.
One issue with the 26-year-old in the short-term is that he picked up a knock in the 7-0 FA Cup thrashing of Tranmere Rovers earlier this month.
Moura celebrates scoring against Bournemouth on Boxing Day as Spurs won the match 5-0
In response to a supporter enquiring about his fitness on Twitter earlier this week, Lucas replied: 'The knock was strong, it is still painful. I am doing full time treatment to be ready as soon as
