Alderweireld delighted to back in the action with Spurs

Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld is in high spirits after recovering from a leg injury that has kept him out since mid-October.

The Belgian appeared as a substitute in Spurs’ victory over CSKA Moscow to secure the north-Londoners a place in the Europa League knockout stages.

He said: “It was difficult to see the team play in the Champions League and big games in the Premier League as well.

“You want to try to help the team but that gave me a reason to work hard and come back as quickly as possible.”

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Alderweireld admitted his comeback had been down to the tough rehabilitation programme at Spurs and is focused on doing his bit for the team.

He said: “I’m very happy, it was a tough two months because it’s not been a usual injury, but I worked hard so as soon as the muscle and nerve starting working again, I could be fit to play again.

“When you are injured at Spurs you have to work very hard! That’s a good thing, because when you are back, you are fully fit.

“I put a lot of effort in and I’m happy to be back. I just want to help the team in the next few weeks.”