Antonio Conte provides update on Matt Doherty injury

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte "hopes" that Matt Doherty did not suffer a serious injury in Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

The Republic of Ireland international has started to find his feet under the Italian but went down with an apparent knee problem in the early stages of the contest at Villa Park.

Doherty tried to carry on but was ultimately unable to do so, and he had to replaced by Sergio Reguilon - just back from an injury himself - with 20 minutes gone.

Conte is hopeful that Doherty will not be out for a long period of time, telling reporters after the match: "I hope nothing serious. The doctors are going to check on him tomorrow.

"I hope nothing serious because he wanted to continue to play and then he later wanted to come out. I hope nothing serious because he's now an important player for us."

Son Heung-min's hat-trick and Dejan Kulusevski's effort saw Spurs run out 4-0 winners over Villa on the day, and Conte's side now boast a three-point lead over fifth-placed Arsenal - who have played a game fewer - following their defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.