Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a timely boost by UEFA regulations ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt.

Spurs hold a 3-1 aggregate advantage over the Norwegian side heading into Thursday night’s clash, with a place in the final firmly within their grasp. A two-legged victory would see Ange Postecoglou’s men progress to the final later this month, where they would face either Manchester United or Athletic Club in Bilbao.

Postecoglou will be eager to have a full-strength squad available for the decisive trip to Norway, including key defender Cristian Romero. The Argentine has been instrumental in Tottenham’s European campaign and is expected to play a vital role in the upcoming fixture.

Romero was shown a yellow card during the first leg, his second caution of the Europa League season. Under UEFA rules, players who accumulate three yellow cards in the tournament are automatically handed a one-match suspension.

However, Tottenham have benefitted from a regulation which resets the yellow card tally after the quarter-final stage. This means that even if Romero receives a third booking during Thursday’s tie, he would not face a suspension for the final.

The only scenario in which the centre-back could be ruled out of the showpiece is if he receives a red card or is shown two yellow cards during the second leg.

Romero was an unused substitute during Spurs’ recent Premier League draw with West Ham, but he is expected to return to the starting line-up in midweek, with a spot in the Europa League final on the line.