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Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld fears he could be facing surgery and 14 weeks out on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring, report football.london.

The Belgian international hasn't featured for the Lilywhites since limping out of the 3-1 win over Real Madrid last month after just 24 minutes.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino initially revealed that he expected the 28-year-old to return in time for Spurs' fixtures over the festive period, but it would appear that the Argentine was being rather too optimistic as Alderweireld has now shed some light on his health - and it's not good news.

"I have a serious muscle tear," he told HLN .

(Image: Getty)

"There’s a big chance of recurrence. If the muscle tears off completely for instance, I would need surgery and it’ll take 14 weeks to recover.

"That’s why we try to see how we can treat the muscle. In two weeks I’ll undergo a new scan."

Seeing Alderweireld limp off against Los Blancos would certainly have been a sight for sore eyes amongst a large portion of Spurs supporters and his absence has seen the side's form dip considerably in the Premier League.

(Image: Richard Heathcote)

He's subsequently missed games against Arsenal, West Brom Leicester City and Watford - fixtures in which Spurs have failed to win - and that's seen their hopes of mounting a title challenge this season take a huge hit as they now trail leaders Manchester City by 15 points.

Furthermore, the North London outfit's defensive concerns deepened during yesterday afternoon's 1-1 draw with the Hornets as Davinson Sanchez was shown a red card in the second half following a clash with Richarlison and that means Pochettino faces the prospect of picking an XI to play City at the Etihad Stadium later this month that won't feature two of his best centre-backs.