Jan Vertonghen has issued a rallying call to Tottenham’s fringe players insisting they need to stand up and be counted after Harry Kane and Moussa Sissoko joined the club’s “crazy” injury list.
The pair were both injured during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Wembley.
Vertonghen, who returned to action against United after a month out with a thigh problem, said on the club’s injury crisis: “It’s crazy, huh? But you always have to think with the players you’ve got.
“I’m sure other teams have had injuries but we’ve had a couple more.
“I think you’ve always seen that every time someone got injured, other people were there to perform.
“I hope we’ll see that this time.”
Midfielder Sissoko was forced off in the first half with a groin injury, while leading scorer Kane limped off at the end after hurting his left ankle.
Spurs have confirmed Kane damaged ligaments in his left ankle during Sunday’s clash.
The England striker will continued to be monitored by the club’s medical staff and is expected to return to training in early March.
On the pair, Vertonghen added: “Yeah we have to assess the other cases as well but these two guys are just massive for us.
“Especially over the last couple of months, they’ve been immense.
“We’ve got other great players, who I didn’t name now, but they’re vital for us and we hope they’ll both be back soon.
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“It’s a shame but it’s one of those things.
“That’s why we have the other guys and the other guys have to stand up now.”
Spurs are also without Eric Dier (appendicitis), Victor Wanyama and Lucas Moura (both knee).
Forward Heung-Min Son is also unavailable due to his involvement in the Asian Cup.
Should South Korea reach the final of the Asian Cup, Son will miss at least four Tottenham fixtures.
Third-placed Spurs are now just one point clear of London rivals Chelsea as they battle to clinch a top-four spot.
But Vertonghen insisted: “We are in four competitions and we have got the quality to compete in every single game and every single competition, hopefully we can do something special this season.”
