Tottenham: Kyle Walker ruled out for four weeks with foot injury

Tottenham have suffered a major blow in their hopes of securing a European place after defender Kyle Walker was ruled out for a month.

The English defender, who only returned midway through the season following a long-term injury, suffered a knock during Tottenham's recent draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Initial fears were that the defender had broken his leg, but scans revealed otherwise and after further examination, the player has been ruled out for at least four weeks.

The club confirmed the news on their website and this will come as a big blow to Mauricio Pochettino, whose team currently occupy the seventh spot in the Premier League.

"Following further examination and consultation, the Club can confirm that Kyle Walker is expected to be sidelined for a further four weeks as he continues his recovery from a foot injury," a statement on Tottenham's official site read.

The north London club, who were in a race for a place in the top four are currently focused on finishing as high as possible and qualify for Europe, but Walker's absence will be a blow as the manager will have to reshuffle his defence ahead of crucial clashes against Southampton and Manchester City, who are just above them on the table.

Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder Paulinho has credited the team for remaining focused during their recent 3-1 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park.

"We played the first half well but then, when we came back out for the second half, we didn't start strongly and that's why Newcastle scored," Paulinho said, as quoted on Spurs' official site.

"After their equaliser we played well but most importantly we kept going. We had to come back strongly in the second half and keep focused on the game."

"We've now got five games left this season to get as many points as possible and improve our position," the Brazilian midfielder added.