Jan Vertonghen has been ruled out until December at the earliest due to a hamstring injury, Tottenham have confirmed.
Vertonghen, 31, limped off at half-time during his side’s 2-0 victory over Huddersfield on 29 September, missing subsequent games against Barcelona and Cardiff.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez revealed this week his defender would not be available for October or November’s round of international fixtures.
Spurs say the centre-half has shown “a good initial response to rehabilitation” having monitored him over the last 12 days and expect him to return to full training “by December.”
The injury rules Vertonghen out of a number of crucial games in October and November, including the Premier League clashes against Manchester City and Chelsea and Champions League ties home and away to PSV Eindhoven and the visit of Inter Milan.
Vertonghen could also be a doubt for the first north London derby of the season, with Spurs travelling to Arsenal on 1 December.
(Evening Standard)