Published: 28 January, 2016
by DAN CARRIER

SPURS defender Jan Vertonghen is facing two months on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace. 

The injury is a serious blow to Tottenham’s title credentials – forcing boss Mauricio Pochettino to reshuffle his squad. Kevin Wimmer, who made his Premiership debut as a sub for Vertonghen at Selhurst Park, is now expected to play in Saturday’s FA Cup clash away to League One side Colchester. 

Long-term there’s talk that Eric Dier might be used as cover for Vertonghen, which would allow midfielders Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason to battle it out for a place in the starting line-up. 

Meanwhile Andros Townsend’s 14-year stint at Spurs all but came to an end this week with the winger set to join Newcastle in a £12million deal. 

Supporters will be hoping the freeing up of a place in the senior squad, along with the windfall, may allows Spurs to make a move for a second striker before the January transfer window closes. 

Rumours link chairman Daniel Levy with an £18million bid for West Brom’s Saido Berahino, while there has also been talk of a £5million deal with Fulham for forward Moussa Dembele. 

A deal between Spurs and Sevilla for Federico Fazio is also expected to be completed.