Tottenham hammer blow as key man facing extended spell on sidelines

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

13 Oct 2016, 8:55 am

By Tony Hughes

Mousa Dembele is facing an extended spell on the sidelines, according to Mauricio Pochettino.

The Tottenham manager revealed on Thursday afternoon that they key midfielder has suffered a recurrence of an old foot injury.

Dembele, 28, will miss Saturday's Premier League trip to West Brom and is also set to be absent next week as his return to first-team action is delayed.

The Belgian international missed both his country’s games in the international break after suffering the damage in training with Spurs prior to the 2-0 win over Manchester City earlier this month.

His left foot was stamped on as he challenged for the ball, meaning Dembele now feels pain whenever he uses it.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino called the injury “minor” but it is a worry for Tottenham that one of their most important players has made just two appearances this term.

Dembele missed the first four league games of the campaign due to suspension, before sustaining a hamstring injury in the 1-0 home win over Sunderland last month.

“It is painful for him when he is in contact with the ball,” said Pochettino, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “It is an old problem and he is now recovering from it.”

Dembele's absence means Victor Wanyama is set to be paired in central midfield by fit-again Eric Dier on Saturday after the Englishman played the full 90 minutes for his country on Tuesday night.

In other Tottenham team news,

a fringe player has revealed whether he has regrets about agreeing to deal with Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur

Moussa Dembele