'Huge Blow' - Exclusive: Robinson reacts as Tottenham star faces 'long lay-off'

Tottenham need summer signing Joe Rodon to "step up" after Toby Alderweireld was forced off with a muscle injury in the 2-0 win over Manchester City.

That is according to ex-Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, about the "huge blow" his former club have suffered to their "best defender".

Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports on Saturday that Alderweireld's injury is "bad", "difficult" and likely to keep him sidelined for a substantial period.

The Belgium international has started each of Spurs' last five Premier League fixtures as he and Eric Dier emerged as Jose Mourinho's preferred defensive partnership.

Joe Rodon, the £11million deadline-day arrival from Swansea City, is expected to plug the bag left by Alderweireld with Davinson Sanchez frozen out by Mourinho this month.

When asked by Football Insider how damaging the loss of Alderweireld is for the Lilywhites, Robinson said: "It is a huge blow. He is the best defender that Spurs have got.

"It looks like it is going to be a long lay-off with a muscle injury.

"It is now time for Joe Rodon to step up. He came on at the weekend and he has a real chance now to come into that back four and stake a claim. He will likely play alongside Eric Dier.

"This highlights how important it was that Spurs signed another centre-back in Joe Rodon in the summer window. It was great business and it nows shows just how important that signing was." 

In other Tottenham news, Newcastle tipped to sign Spurs midfielder in January after big Athletic reveal.