Jan Vertonghen is facing an extended spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury in a shattering blow to Tottenham, according to a reliable journalist.
HLN correspondent Kristof Terreur reported on his personal Twitter account on Thursday morning that the Belgium international will be out for “several weeks” with the problem sustained in last weekend’s win against Huddersfield.
Terreur explained that Spurs are awaiting the results of further tests as they complete their diagnosis of the injury but pointed out how Vertonghen’s limp through the Wembley mixed zone on Wednesday night “doesn’t bode well”.
The way he limped through the mixed-zone yesterday doesn’t bode well. Jan Vertonghen will be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury. More exams needed to know the full extent. #thfc #coys pic.twitter.com/18lkIsWQE8
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) October 4, 2018
OPINION
The bad news shows no signs of abating for Tottenham. Taught a football lesson at Wembley last night by Lionel Messi and company, Spurs face a mighty battle reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. They will probably have to defeat Inter Milan at home as well as chalk up home and away wins against PSV Eindhoven, who thrashed bitter rivals Ajax 4-0 in the Dutch Eredivisie recently. Vertonghen, who was a spectator at Wembley, is set to be absent for a period of time after the international break, amid growing signs he has torn rather than merely strained a hamstring muscle. That would rule Spurs’ outstanding defender of last season out for at least six weeks, rather than the usual three for a minor strain. Vertonghen alone would not have been enough to stem the Barcelona tide last night, but he is undoubtedly one of the key Tottenham players and first names on the teamsheet. He will be sorely missed as the club pray his absence is not too lengthy.