Tottenham fear Jan Vertonghen is ruled out for at least two months with ankle ligament injury
Belgium international unlikely to return to first team action until 1 April after damaging ankle ligaments on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham Hotspur fear that Jan Vertonghen will not return to first team action until April after the centre-back’s ankle ligament injury was assessed.
Vertonghen is set to be out for at least two months with the injury sustained in the second half of Saturday’s 4-0 defeat of West Bromwich Albion. Two months from tomorrow would take Vertonghen up to the Premier League round of fixtures on 18 March, but that is immediately followed by an international break. Spurs’ next game, away at Burnley, is scheduled for Saturday 1 March.
Mauricio Pochettino admitted immediately after the injury that it “looked very bad” for Vertonghen, who left the pitch in tears after rolling his ankle. Today’s diagnosis of eight to 10 weeks is a serious blow to Tottenham’s season, coming with Spurs on a run of seven consecutive wins in all competitions.
If Vertonghen does not return until 1 April then he will miss eight Premier League games, including crucial away trips to Manchester City this Saturday and to Liverpool, Spurs’ title rivals, on 11 February. He will also miss the fourth round of the FA Cup and, if Spurs progress, the fifth round and quarter-finals. In the Europa League he will miss the last-32 tie against Gent and, if Spurs go through, both legs of the last-16. That could mean missing as many as 15 games in January, February and March.
Vertonghen’s injury deprives Pochettino of one of his most experienced defenders for a crucial period of the season. He played Ben Davies on the left of the back three for the second half on Saturday and could keep him there or play Austrian international Kevin Wimmer. Pochettino could also switch back to a back four with Eric Dier alongside Toby Alderweireld.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments