Toby Alderweireld injury 'not a big issue' says Tottenham boss Pochettino

Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is expected to be available for the club's next Premier League game at Southampton despite missing the win over Burnley with a back problem. The Belgium centre-back was withdrawn from the matchday squad after picking up the issue during the final training session before the game at White Hart Lane.

The 27-year-old has already spent one spell out of the Spurs first team this season after suffering a knee injury, but is unlikely to be side-lined for a lengthy period. Pochettino confirmed before the 2-1 win over the Clarets that Alderweireld would be missing but is not overly concerned by his latest fitness problem.

"He's not injured, he got a problem in the last training session in his back," the Tottenham coach said, according to his club's official Twitter page. "It's not a big issue, it's only a small problem." The White Hart Lane club face Southampton on 28 December at St Mary's before travelling to Watford on New Year's Day.

Victory over Burnley ensured that Tottenham kicked off their festive campaign by going within a point of north London rivals Arsenal in the race for the top four. Pochettino's side rallied after Ashley Barnes opened the scoring in the 21<sup>st minute and even survived having Moussa Sissoko sent off in the second half, when he was only booked for a high challenge on Stephen Ward.

Dele Alli drew Tottenham level with a fine first time finish before Danny Rose thrashed home his second goal of the season to secure the points. Having fallen behind early on, Pochettino was impressed with his side's fighting qualities which helped them bridge the gap to the Champions League places.

"The way we conceded was a little unlucky but we feel very pleased because the players always believed, they never lost their faith in trying to win," he said, according to Tottenham's official website. "It was a good performance, it's always hard to win in the Premier League and congratulations, it was a big performance and a big three points for us.

"That is football, and that is the Premier League. It is one of the best leagues in the world. You never have complete control of the game. We started well, created lots of the chances but if you don't score sometimes you can then concede, we conceded but the most important thing is we came back, scored twice and maybe could have scored more."