Tottenham hope Jan Vertonghen will return to first-team action in December after concluding further tests on the defender’s hamstring injury.
Vertonghen was forced off midway through Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield at the end of September and has missed their last two games.
Tottenham have taken their time to assess the full extent of the hamstring injury and have now confirmed they expect the centre-back to return in time for the hectic festive period.
“Jan Vertonghen sustained a hamstring injury against Huddersfield Town on 29 September, which has been monitored closely over the past 12 days,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“Further investigation has shown a good initial response to rehabilitation. The Belgium international will now continue his recover with a view to returning to full training by December.”
The 31-year-old had started 74 of a possible 83 league matches prior to injury but is now set to miss Tottenham’s next five matches in the Premier League.
Vertonghen started six matches at the 2018 World Cup and the absence of a complete pre-season has been attributed to his muscle injury.
In the last three Premier League campaigns, only Harry Maguire (316) has won possession in the defensive third more times than Vertonghen (295).