“?The only downside in Tottenham’s 4-0 demolition of West Brom last Saturday was the ankle ligament injury sustained to Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen.
Spurs had taken revenge on West Brom for effectively ending their title challenge last year, having already paid Chelsea back for doing it mathematically the week before, ending the Blues’ attempt at the longest winning streak in Premier League history.
However, Vertonghen went down in agony at around the seventy-minute mark and left White Hart Lane on crutches. A similar injury ruled the defender out for seven months last season, during which Austrian centre-back Kevin Wimmer deputised.
Early estimations after a scan had suggested that the player would be absent for two months, returning at the beginning of April. However, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has told reporters at the pre-match conference for their trip to Manchester City that he could be back earlier.
Mauricio: “@JanVertonghen is ok, he’s very positive. We’re pushing him a lot. We expect six weeks, less than at first.” pic.twitter.com/czlnPhvE2E
Spurs managed a title challenge despite Vertonghen’s injury last season, but his defensive abilities have come to the fore in this campaign when Toby Alderweireld has been absent. He is also ideal for the three-man defensive system Spurs have used recently to great effect.
Many believe that Spurs are one of the only sides now – along with Liverpool and Arsenal – who might be able to catch Chelsea in the title race. Can they go close again?
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