Tottenham wing-back Matt Doherty has been ruled out for the rest of the 2021/22 season after picking up a knee injury in Saturday's win over Aston Villa.
The Ireland international was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Matty Cash early on at Villa Park, though Doherty initially tried to play through the pain barrier.
However, he was substituted midway through the first half and it is now being widely reported that the 30-year-old will be out of action for at least 12 weeks, bringing his season to a premature conclusion.
Spurs are likely to wait for the swelling in Doherty's knee to subside before deciding whether he will need surgery.
After a subpar first season-and-a-half in north London, Doherty has emerged as a key player under Antonio Conte in recent months - in nine Premier League starts, he's contributed two goals and four assists.
Doherty has proven to be an effective option at both right wing-back and left wing-back and his absence will serve as a bitter blow.
While Doherty will return to the sidelines, Spurs were boosted by the returns of Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon at the weekend, with the Spaniard ultimately replacing Doherty from the bench.
Source : 90min