Tottenham could be forced to play academy forward against Chelsea

Youngster Kazaiah Sterling is reportedly in contention to feature for Tottenham in their Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Chelsea.

Spurs, 1-0 up from the first leg, have been beset by injury problems ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

They are without the likes of striker Harry Kane and their injury worries increased further when Dele Alli had to go off during Sunday’s derby win at Fulham.

Alli suffered a hamstring injury and looks likely to be facing a spell on the sidelines.

And with Lucas Moura facing a race against time to be fit for Thursday’s game, the Express suggest Sterling could be involved against the Blues.

Sterling, 20, was named as a substitute against Fulham and he seems to be ahead of Vincent Janssen in the pecking order of forwards.

In fact reports suggest that Spurs are looking to sell Janssen for £15m during this transfer window despite their shortage of attacking options.

Sterling played for the final couple of minutes of the 3-0 Champions League win against Apoel Nicosia in December 2017.

That remains his only senior appearance for Spurs, who were expected to send him out on loan this month in order for him to pick up some much-needed first-team experience.