Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld ruled out until February with hamstring injury

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Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Toby Alderweireld will now not be back in action until the beginning of February with a hamstring injury, but the Tottenham Hotspur manager insisted that will not change his plans on January signings.

It had initially been hoped that the 28-year-old would be back by Christmas or the start of a year after the problem suffered since the 3-1 win over Real Madrid on 1 November, but a scan this week has shown that he will need more time on the sidelines.

It also means Pochettino has a decision to make ahead of Wednesday night’s home match against Brighton and Hove Albion, with Davinson Sanchez suspended.

“No, it doesn’t change our view,” the Spurs boss said when asked whether they would sign cover. “We need to talk in the next few days but if all is going well with Toby he will be ready at the beginning of February.

“With Davinson suspended maybe the squad looks like we need someone but we have different players who can play there.”

Asked whether Cameron Carter-Vickers could come in, Pochettino said: “The decision with Cameron is more about his development than if we need or don’t need more centre-backs in the squad. We are trying to provide the player with the best solution.”

Pochettino also said he will decide on Tuesday whether Erik Lamela comes back in, and could do so from the start.

“Maybe, maybe. I have still not decided. I will decide today. He has a chance to play from the start, who knows.”