Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Spurs will not be making a signing in the defensive area of the pitch in order to overcome the bad-looking injury to defender Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian international has been an ever-present player for Spurs this season. His presence in the back was one of the main reasons for Spurs managing to overcome the absence of Toby Alderweireld for almost 2 months in the first half of the campaign.
Vertonghen may have suffered ankle ligament damage in the 4-0 win over West Brom. If it is indeed the case, the Belgian could be looking at a long spell on the sidelines. It would potentially be an end to his campaign defining on the severity of the injury. As a result, it has begun talk about Spurs bringing in a replacement for Vertonghen. Considering that the club are unlikely to get any top players on loan deals, it may have to be an outright purchase in order to replace the 29-year-old. It may not be an entirely feasible option to sign a quality player for around £ 30 million just for a period of six months, although it means the chance to win the Premier League title.
Although, Pochettino said that the club would not be making a defensive purchase in January. As quoted by the Express Sports, he said:
“The injury is disappointing for us. It looks a very bad one. We need to wait for tomorrow or Monday to assess it better but it looks really bad.
“But no, this does not change our plans in the market. We have Ben Davies who can play there, [Kevin] Wimmer is a centre-back, who played recently against Aston Villa and Watford and Cameron [Carter-Vickers].”
Rather than looking elsewhere for replacements, it seems that Pochettino is more than prepared to use his existing squad to its maximum. One of the biggest advantages to come out from the Alderweireld absence was the ability of midfielder Eric Dier to play well in this position. It would not be surprising if the 25-year-old is once again called upon to do this duty. Pochettino also has the ability to call upon players like Kevin Wimmer and Ben Davies, although the latter has been linked with a move away from the club.
Davies has not featured much in the season and even Chelsea have been linked with a move. Manchester City, though, have recently been linked with the player. The injury to Vertonghen is likely to see Spurs resist any interest from other clubs for the transfer of Davies.
Spurs may still get lucky with Vertonghen, but he is almost certain to miss the next weekend’s clash against Manchester City which could be so crucial in the title race. After the 4-0 thumping at the hands of Everton, City would low and confidence and Spurs may actually be feeling quite strong about their opportunities at the Etihad stadium. Spurs managed to beat City in the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane.
