Toby Alderweireld given 'all clear' after positive scan on knee injury

Tottenham have been handed a major injury boost after Mauricio Pochettino revealed positive news regarding Toby Alderweireld's knee injury. The defender was stretchered off following an unintentional collision with teammate Jan Vertonghen during Spurs' 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion last Saturday (15 October).

Tottenham were fearing the worst, but the scan has confirmed that the Belgium international has not damaged any ligaments and has been given an all clear to return to action. The Argentine manager was delighted with the news regarding Alderweireld's injury, but was cautious about rushing him back. Pochettino admitted that he is likely to sit out their clash against Bournemouth on Saturday (22 October), but could return either against Liverpool or Leicester City the following week.

"It's difficult for the weekend because it's still painful for him but it's important that the scan was all clear. We'll now see. If he's not involved this weekend, maybe for the next few games (he can be available)," the Spurs boss was quoted as saying on the club's official site following Tottenham's 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

"But the important information is that the scan was good," Pochettino added.

Alderweireld has formed a strong partnership with Vertonghen at the heart of Tottenham's defence which saw them have the joint best defensive record last season. The Belgian defender played every minute of every league game last season, which makes his absence a major concern for the manager. Eric Dier has stepped in to provide cover in his absence and is likely to keep his place at least for one more game.

Meanwhile, Danny Rose is also a doubt for the game against Bournemouth after he was spotted leaving the Bayer Arena with a protective boot, according to the London Evening Standard. The English defender only recently returned from a hamstring injury and could be facing a spell out on the sidelines again.

However, the report claims that the left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, admitted that he was "ok" despite showing slight discomfort while leaving the stadium. The extent of the injury remains unknown with the protective boot is said to have been in place just as a precautionary measure.