Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Jan Vertonghen is “recovering well” after picking up a thigh injury and is expected to return in January. The Tottenham centre-back has returned to training but is struggling with pain which Pochettino admitted puts a question mark on his potential recovery.
The Spurs boss is hoping Vertonghen will be back early into the New Year, but it all depends on how long the pain continues to trouble the Belgian for. Pochettino said: “I was talking this morning with him. He feels like he’s fit but there’s still some point where it still hurts him. He’s recovering well and we’ll see. Hopefully as soon as possible.”
Vertonghen, who’s already spent time on the sidelines in October due to a hamstring injury, picked up his latest knock against Barcelona on December 11. The 31-year-old has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, but he missed last Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Burnley and Tottenham’s EFL Cup win over Arsenal four days later.
In his absence, Pochettino is likely to start Juan Foyth and Toby Alderweireld at centre-back away to Everton on Sunday, while Davinson Sanchez should make the matchday squad to provide backup – the Colombian has recently recovered from a hamstring injury which kept him out of nine games.
Tottenham could narrow the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City in the table if results go their way over the weekend.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Tottenham duo will miss Everton clash but are in the ‘final stages of their rehabilitation’