Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen is expected to be out for six weeks with an ankle ligament injury.
The 29-year-old centre-back injured his left ankle in the second half of Tottenham’s 4-0 win over West Brom last Saturday.
“When your mind is positive it’s easier to recover,” said Mauricio Pochettino.
“He doesn’t require surgery.
“We have players that can perform in his place and we are very happy with the squad and the players we have.”
Vertonghen has played in 20 out of 21 league matches so far this term, forming part of a strong back line that has only concealed 14 goals – the best record in the Premier League at the moment.
Pochettino was unsure as to when Erik Lamela would return however, with the 24-year-old having been sidelined since the end of October due to an injury problem.
“He will have a scan on Friday” added the Argentine.
“Still it is difficult to give the time that he can come back, we need to wait tomorrow because there is still some problems and we are not sure of the diagnosis.”
Six weeks is still a lengthy time away, but it is much easier than the Tottenham staff had first feared, meaning that Tottenham may not feel the need to enter the transfer market to find a long-term replacement.
It has also been rumoured that Crystal Palace were interested in placing a bid for Ben Davies’ Â services, but any attempt Big Sam’s side were hoping to make to sign the defender will now have been scrapped due to the injury blow, meaning that the Eagles will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements in this transfer window, as Spurs will want to keep Davies on now that Vertonghen will be out for a lengthy time.
Tottenham fans will hope Vertonghen will return as soon as possible, and re-take his place in their so far solid defensive line.
