Alderweireld out, Rose questionable for Bournemouth match

Tottenham could be without two of its first-choice defenders for Saturday's south coast trip to on-form Bournemouth.

Centre-half Toby Alderweireld's absence is a certainty for the Dean Court visit, though full-back Danny Rose could also miss out after picking up a knock in Tuesday's Champions League stalemate with Bayer Leverkusen.

"We need to assess Danny tomorrow," Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino told the club's website after Thursday's training session. "He has a bruised foot. We need to wait to see what happens tomorrow and then see if he’s available or not."

Tottenham will hope that Rose's injury is nothing more than a minor knock, continuing a trend of advantageous fitness returns after Alderweireld's knee concern turned out to be less severe than initially thought.

After being stretchered off following a collision with defensive partner Jan Vertonghen during last weekend's 1-1 draw at West Brom, Alderweireld appeared poised for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Instead, the Belgian international's scan results came back negative.

Spurs haven't put a time frame on Alderweireld's return, though he will miss out Saturday, ending a streak of 46 consecutive matches started. Alderweireld hasn't missed a Premier League fixture since moving from Atletico Madrid last summer.

"It’s good news on Toby but it’s still painful because it was a heavy knock on his leg. He’s out. He’s doing well but it’s still painful," Pochettino added.

With Alderweireld out, Pochettino is likely to employ Eric Dier alongside Vertonghen as was the case in Germany midweek as Kevin Wimmer mysteriously continues to miss out despite being match fit.