Tottenham blow: Toby Alderweireld out until New Year with hamstring injury, confirms Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham have suffered a big blow with news that Toby Alderweireld's hamstring injury is expected to keep the key defender until after Christmas.

Alderweireld has not played for Spurs since pulling up against Real Madrid in the Champions League on November 1.

And manager Mauricio Pochettino has now confirmed the Belgian is likely to now sit out until the New Year.

"We expect longer than we previously [thought] when the problem happened," Pochettino said.

"Maybe after Christmas, maybe. That is the expectation. It will be longer [than we thought]."

It means the centre-back will miss Saturday's north London derby against Arsenal and will also sit out games against Borussia Dortmund, Apoel Nicosia and Manchester City over the next month.

Spurs are hoping to have a handful of other key players back in time for this weekend's clash at Emirates Stadium, with Harry Kane (knee), Dele Alli (hamstring) and Harry Winks (ankle) all pulling out of the England squad last week.

Hugo Lloris also missed Spurs' win over Crystal Palace before the international break with a groin strain.

"We are optimistic but we need to wait and analyse every single case," Pochettino said.

"I hope (on Friday) we can count on them for the game but still we need to decide between the medical staff, sport science and us.

"I am happy because if they cannot play Saturday it is sure they are close to play Tuesday (at Borussia Dortmund) or next weekend (against West Brom). It is not a big issue like Toby Alderweireld."