Tottenham have confirmed that defender Toby Alderweireld, who is rated at €31.7 Million by the CIES Football Observatory, has managed to avoid a serious injury. The player seemed to suffer a major injury in the 1-1 draw against West Brom during the weekend. Even though he had to be taken off on a stretcher, Mauricio Pochettino later claimed that the player may be out only for a few weeks based on the initial prognosis. The judgement by the manager has proven to be right, as scans have confirmed that the injury is not as serious as initially feared.
Even though Alderweireld missed to the Champions League group match against Bayer Leverkusen, he is expected to be back in the first-team in the next couple of weeks. Just as with the Champions League encounter, the Premier League match against Bournemouth should come too early for the Belgian. One of the most feared elements – following the injury to Alderweireld – was Spurs’ ability to keep a clean sheet even without one of their best players. Bayer Leverkusen have been on a good scoring form in the last couple of weeks, and to keep out the home team while featuring Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier. According to Daily Mail, Pochettino said:
“It will be difficult (this weekend) because it is very painful but the reaction was good.
“The scan was clear, no problems but we need to wait because it was a very heavy knock and we have to see. It will be difficult for the weekend.”
It was always going to be the partnership of Dier and Vertonghen, as Spurs have limited options in this regard. The defensive options could further be limited if left back Danny Rose has indeed suffered a serious injury. The England international was seen wearing a protective footwear just after the game. Pochettino did not discuss any issues surrounding injuries after the match. The next couple of days could provide an indication if Rose has suffered a serious injury or not.
More good news continues to arrive with the potential return of Harry Kane. After the striker recently made his way back to training, Tottenham are now expecting him to be back in the starting line-up in the next couple of weeks. The game against Leicester towards the end of October might also act as the comeback match for the England striker, who has been badly missed in some key matches. Vincent Janssen continues to struggle in front of goal and he missed a couple of great opportunities to get three points against Leverkusen.
A point away from home in Europe is certainly not a bad result, and Spurs remained as favourites to qualify for the knockout stages even after the 90 minutes. The club are just one point below table leaders CSKA Moscow and there is every chance of getting to the top with two home games coming up. Home games would always be the key in the Champions League, but Spurs showed a little vulnerability when playing at the new stadium.
