Alderweireld backs Spurs to cope in Vertonghen absence

Tottenham have to step up in the absence of centre-back Jan Vertonghen according to his compatriot Toby Alderweireld.

Vertonghen has been ruled out for an extended period with an ankle injury, leaving Spurs short at the back, just as they were when Alderweireld missed a couple of months before Christmas.

During that period, Mauricio Pochettino’s side fell off the pace, but having won six straight in the league ahead of a trip to Manchester City this weekend, Alderweireld has urged the team to stay positive and make up for Vertonghen’s absence.

(Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

He said: “We have to cope as a team and the guy who’s coming in for Jan has to bring his level, but we have a very good squad.

“Not only the 11 who are always playing – even the guys who come in always make a difference so that’s important, to have a good squad, and I’m very confident in whoever is going to play there.

“You don’t have to be very smart to know that he’s sad about it but I think he’s put the switch on now (in his head) and said ‘okay, I have to be back as quickly as possible’ so he’s training hard to come back. I feel bad for Jan but now as a team we have to help and make sure we fill that spot in.”