Wimmer ready to step up for Spurs

Kevin Wimmer admits Tottenham’s defensive reserves have been stretched but insists they can cope at the back.

Jan Vertonghen faces an extended spell on the sidelines after getting injured against West Brom, while Toby Alderweireld limped off against Manchester City at the weekend.

As a result, Spurs have found themselves with limited options at the back, particularly with Mauricio Pochettino’s desire to play three centre-backs.

However Wimmer is confident they can survive the absence of the Belgian duo, admitting he’s learned a lot from the pair since arriving at White Hart Lane.

(Clive Rose/Getty Images)

He said: “It’s not a good feeling when any of our players are injured, especially if it’s a bad injury.

“Jan is a strong guy, his mind is strong and he is always positive. Everyone hopes he will be back soon.

“With Toby [Alderweireld] too, I think the injury [he got in Manchester] is not too bad, but it’s never good when such important players get injured.

“The next week will be tough – we have many important games and we want to go into the next round of the FA Cup.

“Of course, as a player you always want to play as many games as possible but the manager decides who starts the games. In training, I just try to show I’m ready.

“It’s not the first time I had this situation. I train every day and learn a lot from the other guys, from Toby and Jan especially.”