Pochettino won’t buy to replace injured Vertonghen
TOTTENHAM fear key defender Jan Vertonghen will miss a significant chunk of the title run-in after sustaining a nasty looking ankle injury.
The Belgium international looked crestfallen as he was helped off the pitch after rolling over his left ankle in trying to stretch for the ball in the 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the central defender had damaged ankle ligaments.
Vertonghen has a history of ankle problems, missing Euro 2016 with a similar injury.
And Pochettino admits he fears the 29-year-old is facing a lengthy spell out.
‘The injury is disappointing for us. It looks a very bad one. We need to wait for tomorrow or Monday to assess it better but it looks really bad,’ he said.
Vertonghen, who started on the left side of three centre backs, is as versatile as he is vital.
But Spurs will not dip into the January transfer market to sign a replacement if it emerges he will be out for a long spell.
‘No, this does not change our plans in the market,’ said the Argentine manager.
‘We have Ben Davies who can play there, [Kevin] Wimmer is a centre back, who played recently against Aston Villa and Watford and Cameron [Carter-Vickers].
‘We have plenty players so we don’t have to move.’
On his side’s superb display Pochettino said: ‘This was one of the most complete performances since I’ve been here.
‘We are showing good maturity and this team learned a lot from last season. If we want to fight for the title and challenge this game is a good example to follow.’
He added on Harry Kane’s hat-trick: ‘He and Dele Alli are special players for us. Harry missed 10 games at the start of the season and we missed him a lot.’