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Toby Alderweireld pulled his hamstring during Tottenham's win over Real Madrid
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino said he could be out until after Christmas
The Belgian defender missed Tottenham's last match due to the injury
Tottenham face Arsenal in the north London derby on Saturday at the Emirates

Published: 08:50 EDT, 16 November 2017 | Updated: 17:39 EDT, 16 November 2017

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Toby Alderweireld has been ruled out until after Christmas with the hamstring injury he suffered earlier this month.

Initial scans projected a six-week absence but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino fears he could be missing until the start of 2018.

The setback means Alderweireld could miss 12 games, including the derby against Arsenal on Saturday and the title clash at Manchester City on December 16.

Toby Alderweireld limped off during Tottenham's 3-1 win over Real Madrid on November 1

Tottenham’s options are limited because Victor Wanyama is out with a knee injury.

‘Toby will be out longer than we thought,’ said Pochettino. ‘Maybe after Christmas, that is the expectation.

‘He’s disappointed. It’s a little bit sad but he is focused on trying to recover as soon as possible. He is in the first stage of rehab and is working hard.

‘With this type of injury we must be cautious and we need to wait.’ England trio Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks and Spurs and France captain Hugo Lloris all returned to full training on Thursday after withdrawing from international duty.

‘I hope we can count on them,’ said Pochettino. ‘If they cannot play on Saturday I’m sure they are close for Tuesday or next weekend.’