Moussa Sissoko is set to be sidelined for a month with a groin strain, as Tottenham’s injury crisis deepens.
The midfielder sustained the injury when he pulled up in the 43rd minute against Manchester United last Sunday and had to be replaced by Erik Lamela.
It is a further blow to Spurs, who already have Harry Kane ruled out until early March with an ankle ligament damage, picked up in the same match.
Lucas Moura is another player working his way back to full fitness, having picked up a knock in the 7-0 FA Cup thrashing of Tranmere Rovers, while Victor Wanyama is still out with a knee problem and Eric Dier has missed the last five weeks after surgery on his appendix.
Son Heung-min is also unavailable, as he is away with South Korea in the United Arab Emirates for the Asia Cup.
Sissoko has become an increasingly important figure in Spurs’ side, turning in a series of impressive displays this season, having initially struggled following his £30million arrival from Newcastle in 2016.
He had started 10 of Tottenham’s 11 most recent games and completed 90 minutes in all but one of those.
His absence now leaves Dele Alli and Harry Winks as the only available central midfielders to Mauricio Pochettino.