Jan Vertonghen could miss first match of the season

Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has been ruled out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury.

The Belgian international suffered the problem during the club's 3-1 defeat to Sunderland in the Asia Cup.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas told reporters: "Jan has had damage to his ligaments, and he is most likely to be out of training for around two to three weeks."

Vertonghen made 48 appearances during his debut season at White Hart Lane.