Mauricio Pochettino admits Toby Alderweireld's hamstring injury is worse than first feared, with the Tottenham defender set to be on the sidelines until after Christmas.

Alderweireld suffered a hamstring problem during Spurs' 3-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid on November 1, and was clearly frustrated as he departed the Wembley pitch.

Ahead of Saturday's north London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates, Pochettino confirmed to reporters at Thursday's pre-match press conference that the 28-year-old Belgium international is now facing a long spell on the sidelines - and will likely be out until the New Year.

Pochettino said of Alderweireld: "We expect longer than previously, when the problem happened. Maybe after Christmas is the expectation."

Alderweireld's absence should mean Eric Dier moves into defence against Arsenal, with Mousa Dembele pushing to return to the starting XI.

Alderweireld's latest seback means that the defender will miss League games against Arsenal (November 18), West Brom (Nov. 25), Leicester (Nov. 28), Watford (Dec. 2), Stoke (Dec. 9), Brighton (Dec. 13), Man City (Dec. 16), Burnley (Dec. 23) and Southampton (Dec. 26).

He will also miss Champions League ties against Borussia Dortmund (Nov. 21) and Apoel Nicosia (Dec. 6), with Spurs vying for top spot in Group H along with Real Madrid.