Dele Alli ruled out until March in latest injury blow for Tottenham Hotspur
London: Tottenham have suffered a fresh injury blow after England midfielder Dele Alli was ruled out until March with a hamstring strain.
Alli was forced off in the closing stages of Tottenham's 2-1 win at Fulham on Sunday and scans have confirmed the extent of the star's injury.
The 22-year-old's absence is a massive setback for Tottenham, who are already without England striker Harry Kane until March due to an ankle ligament problem.
Gutted. I will do everything in my power to return as quick as possible. Thank you for all the messages. pic.twitter.com/epuJcEUIbw
— Dele (@dele_official) January 22, 2019
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is also without South Korea forward Son Heung-Min, who is on international duty for several weeks.
"Following scans and clinical assessment, we can confirm that Dele Alli has suffered a hamstring strain," a statement on Tottenham's website said.
"Dele will now undergo a period of rehabilitation with our medical staff with the expectation of returning to training in early March."
Alli is set to miss a host of crucial games, including Tottenham's Champions League last 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.
His injury also puts a huge dent in third-placed Tottenham's slender hopes of chasing down Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Tottenham will now face Chelsea in Thursday's League Cup semi-final second leg without three of their key players.
England midfielder Eric Dier, just back from appendix surgery, is a contender to step in for Alli, while Fernando Llorente deputised for Kane in the win over Fulham.