Can DeAndre Yedlin or Eric Dier Benefit from Kyle Walker Injury at Tottenham?

Tottenham Hotspur defender Kyle Walker is having a tough time of things fitness-wise.

After missing the first four months of the season, the England international is now facing six weeks out altogether with the foot injury he suffered at Burnley.

Although Walker reasserted himself as Tottenham's first-choice right-back in between times, his form was not so strong as to make him immune to competition down the line. Consequently, his current absence could benefit either Eric Dier or DeAndre Yedlin.

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If his strategy for Sunday's win over Newcastle United is anything to go by, head coach Mauricio Pochettino's preference for now is to go with Dier.

The versatile 21-year-old was shifted out right partly because of the return of fit-again centre-back Jan Vertonghen and the decision to resume the Belgian's partnership with Federico Fazio. Previous go-to deputy right-back Vlad Chiriches' particularly nervy performance in the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa also appears to have influenced Pochettino's thinking. The Romanian was not even a substitute at St James' Park.

Yedlin—a second-half replacement for Chiriches against Villa—was on the bench following his debut. That he did not make his second appearance for Spurs was testament to Dier's more substantial Premier League experience this season taking precedent for now.

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Having regularly been selected at the heart of Spurs' defence since February, Dier's move might feel like a demotion to him. An assignment masquerading as a judgement of his mixed performances at centre-back (for instance, how the solidity of his north London derby display gave way to a misjudgement-marked game at Anfield the next week), and only really being provided because of Walker's injury.

It is better, however, for Dier to view it as an opportunity to continue his all-round development as a footballer. While it might delay him establishing himself as a centre-back (a position he appears to prefer), it will still allow him to make improvements to areas of his game which are intrinsic no matter the side of the defence he occupies.

It is worth remembering that, back in November, Pochettino's "expectation for him was to put [Dier] in the squad, to play some games. Not to be first choice always during all competitions."

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"For his future it is better if he improves and plays in different positions," the Argentine added, talking up the importance of Dier having "the condition to play in different situations of the pitch."

Ultimately, these different situations will inform one another and the player's preparedness to become a genuine first choice.

One such example on Sunday saw Dier almost punished when he allowed Magpies winger Remy Cabella to come inside and get the jump on him at a cross.

He recovered well to block the Frenchman's shot and Spurs cleared their lines. But Dier's need to be alert to the wide man he was primarily tasked with defending is something which, if he learns, can enhance his focus as a centre-back too; developing peripheral vision and concentration, rather than just eyes for the ball.

Dier becoming a right-back long term, or at least his being regarded as an option there, should not be discounted. Good form in the coming weeks will at least keep him ahead of Yedlin and Chiriches for the season's remainder.

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As anticipated upon its instigation after his January arrival, the USMNT international has followed a patient development plan in preparation of his own chance of competing for the spot. He has been allowed to settle into life in a new country while playing with Spurs under-21s. Now that he has got his first taste of Premier League football, he is the next man up while Walker is on the sidelines.

Should Dier struggle, Pochettino's moving Yedlin ahead of Chiriches in the pecking order suggests the head coach is ready to hand him more playing time. If not, the involvement in the squad and possibility of a cameo or two will at least set him up nicely for pre-season, when he will really get the chance to prove himself.

Walker best start readying himself mentally for the fight he is likely to have on his hands his summer.

Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.