Nabil Bentaleb
Bentaleb was one half of Pochettino's first choice midfield last season Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is "not 100%" after suffering a knock while playing for Algeria during the international break, says manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Bentaleb, 20, has missed Tottenham's last 13 games after suffering an ankle injury in early September. His last appearance for the club was back in August in a goalless draw with Everton.

Pochettino has exercised caution in bringing the midfielder back but Algeria manager Christian Gourcuff included him in his 25-man squad for World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania. Bentaleb lasted just 36 minutes in Tuesday's match.

While the Algerian FA stressed the decision to take the midfielder off was because he had been booked, he did appear to injure his foot before he was substituted.

Ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with West Ham United, Pochettino has confirmed Bentaleb did receive a knock that could possibly delay his return further.

Nacer Chadli is also unavailable for the trip to Upton Park. The Belgium winger suffered ankle ligament damage during the goalless draw with Liverpool in October with initial reports claiming he faces six weeks on the sidelines.

"Nacer Chadli is recovering but is still out," Pochettino told a press conference relayed through the club's official Twitter account. "Nabil Bentaleb got a bad tackle but is not 100%."

Tottenham will also be without Erik Lamela with the forward set to serve a one-match suspension. The 23-year-old also suffered an injury scare after a minor muscle problem saw him pull out of training early on 15 November, but he was fit enough to take a spot on the bench in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Colombia.

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