JOSE MOURINHO fears Toby Alderweireld could be facing a long spell on the treatment table after the defender suffered a groin injury in Tottenham’s win against Manchester City.
The Belgium international, 31, was seen walking off gingerly close to the end of his team’s impressive defeat of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Jose Mourinho fears Toby Alderweireld could be set for a lengthy injury lay-offCredit: EPA
Alderweireld, who was replaced by Spurs summer signing Joe Rodon, was seen clutching his groin as he came off the pitch.
And club boss Mourinho hinted his defensive stalwart could be in for a lengthy injury lay-off when he was quizzed about the Belgian’s condition after the game.
The victory saw Spurs go top of the table ahead of their Europa League clash against Ludogrets on Thursday.
Toby Alderweireld suffered a groin injury during Tottenham’s 2-0 win against Manchester CityCredit: EPA
Mourinho, 57, told Sky Sports: “I just feel sorry for Toby. He did a fantastic performance, he has an important injury.
“It’s the injury of fatigue. It’s the injury that happens
“But it was an opportunity for (Joe) Rodon to come into a game of this dimension and difficulty. So, let’s go. Thursday we have another one.”
Alderweireld put in a sublime shift in Tottenham’s back four with Heung-Min Son and Giovani Lo Celso netting to give the hosts their second victory in the league against Man City this year.
And the centre-back, who has helped his side keep three clean sheets in their last four Prem performances, was part of the Belgium team that beat England during the international break.
I’m super happy and super proud of them.
They were fantastic. They gave everything.Jose Mourinho
Tottenham are set to play Chelsea in their next Prem encounter, with the team facing Frank Lampard’s Blues for the first time in the league this term.
And Lampard’s old Stamford Bridge boss was full of praise for his players’ efforts against Man City, including the performance of in-form frontman Harry Kane.
Jose Mourinho says he feels “sorry for Toby” who was injured following “a fantastic performance”Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Mourinho added: “I’m super happy and super proud of them.
“They were fantastic. They gave everything.
“They followed a strategy and more than ever strategy plays an important part.
“This guy Harry Kane represents the spirit of all the guys. The way he works for the team is the way all the others do it.
“He can change the way people look at a striker. I congratulate the person who made him man of the match because a striker can be man of the match if he does not score.
“This spirit is the DNA of the team.
“Every player did the job in an amazing way. Even the emergency principles when someone is tired or losing a certain position.
“The emergency rules. Everybody had an incredible friendship and solidarity.
“It’s a good feeling to be home tonight and until tomorrow we are top of the league.”
Jose Mourinho wipes new shoes with towel and dances in bizarre Instagram video
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
