Report: Toby Alderweireld to remain sidelined until February

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be without defender Toby Alderweireld for at least another six weeks following an injury setback, according to a report.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since damaging his hamstring during the Lilywhites' famous 3-1 win against European champions Real Madrid on November 1.

Belgium international Alderweireld revealed last week that, worst case scenario, he would face a further three-and-a-half months recovering from the injury.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino has attempted to play down talk of a long-term layoff, but the London Evening Standard suggests that February is now the most likely return date.

Spurs now face being without one of their key men for the duration of the festive and New Year period, while consecutive games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal follow in late January and early February.