Tottenham defender Danny Rose needs 'four or five' stitches after cut in Champions League win

Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose needed at least four stitches after suffering a cut above the eye during the Champions League win over Apoel Nicosia at Wembley.

The England full-back, making just his fifth start of the season, was booked after a clash with Roland Sallai in the 67th minute of the 3-0 success over the Greek champions.

But Rose came off the worse and after receiving treatment on the field was replaced by Kyle Walker-Peters for the remaining quarter of the game.

"Massive cut," Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino told reporters. "He needed stitches. It wasn't necessary to take a risk. He needed to go inside and have some stitches. He needed four or five. It was big."

Victory sees Tottenham progress to the round of 16 with 16 points - a tally only two other English sides have ever achieved in the competition's history and the most of any side in the 2017-18 edition.

England will have five sides in the knock-out phase, the first time any country has been represented by that number at this stage of the tournament, with Tottenham's progress coming 12 months after they were dumped out of the competition at the group stage.

Pochettino has been thrilled by Tottenham's progress during the last year, which has seen them beat Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to top spot in Group H. But the Argentine coach admits he is relieved to be able to shelve European competition and focus on domestic matters until February.

"This season we improve a lot but it is true we expend a lot of energy in different games and that affects our way in the Premier League," said Pochettino, whose side have won one of their last six league games and are 18 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

"Now we need to be focused on the Premier League and start to win games again. Of course from one season to another it is massive step up for us.

"All the teams we have in the draw will be tough teams. It is difficult to know [who would be the most favourable draw]. All the opponents will be difficult."

Georges Kevin-Nkoudou was handed just his third Tottenham start 18 months on his move from Marseille, and he took full advantage of the rare opportunity with the third goal late in the second half.

Pochettino has indicated that he may give the Frenchman further chances in the first team after being impressed by his recent change in attitude.

"He is so young," he added. "We need to be careful. It is about the tempo, the timing and when you come from France a lot of things are happening in your life. You need more time to adapt and start to perform.

"He is a great kid,he always has a smile and all the players love him. I feel bad when you can't give the possibility to play. We are trying to push and help him. Today was a massive opportunity an we are so happy. Now we ned to push him to improve."