Vertonghen expected to miss 6 weeks with ankle injury

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic about Jan Vertonghen's recovery from a left ankle injury, informing reporters Thursday the Belgian will miss only six weeks of action.

"Vertonghen is OK, he's very positive. We're pushing him a lot. We expect six weeks, less than at first," said Pochettino. He added, "We don't want to set the time limit. When your mind is positive it's easier to recover."

Following Tottenham's 4-0 victory over West Brom, in which Vertonghen suffered ligament damage, Pochettino initially feared the worst.

A previous report suggested Vertonghen would spend the next two months in treatment.

Though it's similar to the issue that forced the 29-year-old out of Euro 2016, Pochettino insisted it has "nothing to do with the old injury."

If Vertonghen is indeed out for six weeks, he would miss Tottenham's next eight matches, including league fixtures against Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as both legs of next month's Europa League tie against Gent.

Pochettino added he will not move for a replacement in the January transfer window, according to the London Evening Standard's Sam Long, with Kevin Wimmer and Ben Davies expected to fill the void. Davies has also been the subject of reported interest from Crystal Palace, but Vertonghen's setback may prevent his departure.

Tottenham could elect to play with a back four after successful experiments with a three-man defence, or simply give a shot to 24-year-old Wimmer, who has started just three Premier League matches this season.