Mauricio Pochettino says Jan Vertonghen injury won't force Tottenham into January transfer market

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Sam Long14 January 2017

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Jan Vertonghen's ankle injury "looks bad" but says he will not be forced into the transfer as a result of the Belgian's problem.

Vertonghen rolled his ankle after slipping off the pitch during this afternoon's 4-0 victory over West Brom.

The 29-year-old winced in pain and was soon hitting the floor in frustration while being treated by members of the Spurs medical staff.

With Vertonghen evidently in some pain he was substituted immediately and had to be helped down the tunnel, seemingly unable to put any weight on the injury.

Vertonghen may have injured his ankle ligaments and Pochettino is worried about the extent of the problem but says it will be a day or so before the centre back can be assessed properly due to swelling.

"Yes it looks very bad. We feel very disappointed," Pochettino said.

"It looks very bad but we need to wait and assess him on Monday or Tuesday."

However, Pochettino is adamant Vertonghen's potential lay off will not force him into the transfer market this month as he has a number of other options at his disposal.

"No - no change. We have Ben Davies, Kevin Wimmer has played against Watford and Aston Villa. We have plenty of players.

"We won't need another centre back," Pochettino insisted.

Despite Pochettino's confidence losing Vertonghen would represent a significant blow for Spurs, who have already had to cope without Toby Alderweireld for a large chunk of the campaign.

Vertonghen damaged his ankle ligaments during Euro 2016 but recovered relatively quickly and did not miss the early stages of Tottenham's Premier League campaign.

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