Stunning Tottenham update: Defender is a month ahead of schedule

Thu 26 January 2017 12:48, UK

By Harry Sykes

Jan Vertonghen could be back playing in three weeks in what is a massive boost to Tottenham’s title hopes.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed on Thursday afternoon that the defender is making excellent progress in his recovery from damaged ankle ligaments.

Vertonghen broke down 12 days ago in Spurs’ 4-0 win over West Brom and it was initially feared he would be out for two months.

Pochettino then gave a more optimistic verdict last week when he claimed that he expected to see the Belgium international playing in six weeks rather than eight.

Now the Spurs boss has delivered an even more positive bulletin by revealing that Vertonghen is “much better” and will probably be back in “three to four more weeks”.

“@JanVertonghen is much better but probably 3-4 weeks more. @ErikLamela will come back training with us tomorrow & we’ll assess him again.” pic.twitter.com/Y8e9co3WKv
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 26, 2017

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The update that the centre-back is a month ahead of schedule is a huge boost to Tottenham and will delight supporters anxious about how the absence of one of the team’s key defenders could derail their title challenge.