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Pedro Porro claims Tottenham's injured XI "might even be stronger" than their current starting line-up.

The Spanish right-back has bemoaned the number of fitness issues that the club have faced for the second consecutive season ahead of their Champions League last 16 showdown against Atletico Madrid.

While there's optimism Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin could return to action alongside recently-suspended captain Cristian Romero, the Europa League winners still have James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies on the sidelines.

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Micky van de Ven will also serve a one-match ban against Liverpoolthis weekend, though he's available to feature against Atletico.

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Porro told Radio MARCA: “We could field a starting eleven of injured players that might even be stronger than the eleven that’s currently playing. And it’s not out of disrespect to anyone, but that’s basically the reality.

“We have to think and maintain a positive mindset. I’ve told my teammates, it’s difficult to compete like this, but we always have to give 100% per cent even though things aren’t going well in the Premier League, just like last year.

"We’re going to approach the tie with the same ambition we’ve shown so far in the Champions League.”

Despite their Premier League struggles, much like last term, Spurs' European exploits have been commendable.

They accumulated 17 points during the league phase to cement a fourth-place finish, bypassing the awkward play-off round.

North London rivals Arsenal were the only side to lose less matches (zero) than Tottenham (one) during the group stage.

Porro insists the club have been unable to replicate that sparkling form domestically due to a lack of numbers.

He added ahead of his return to his homeland: “It’s difficult, because when you’re competing in four competitions under these circumstances, we already had that bad experience last year in the Premier League with so many injured players, and you just can’t compete.

“We have young players coming on strong, and looking at this season, it’s basically the same. You’re going to play against Arsenal, City, Liverpool, or Chelsea, and you just can’t.”

Tottenham are now hovering just one point above the Premier League drop zone and survival remains the top priority, even if they have worked tirelessly to reach the Champions League knockout stages.

Interim boss Igor Tudor is still yet to achieve his first victory and has lost his first three matches at the helm to Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace, respectively.