Tottenham starlet Harry Winks out for the rest of the season after suffering ankle ligament damage

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering ankle ligament damage during his side's win against Burnley on Saturday (April 1). The 21-year-old sustained the injury after colliding with a drinks container on the touchline and needed an oxygen mask as he was taken immediately to hospital.

The promising midfielder underwent tests on Monday in order to determine the full extent of the injury. Tottenham were fearful that their young prodigy had broken his ankle but scans have confirmed that Winks has not suffered a fracture, though he will still spend a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said that it would be "difficult" for Winks to feature for Spurs again this season in his press conference on Monday and his central midfield problems could be compounded in the coming days by Victor Wanyama, who had to be withdrawn during the first half of his side's win over Burnley after suffering a back injury. The Kenyan is now being assessed ahead of the game against Swansea City.

Tottenham released a brief statement regarding Winks' injury on social media, saying: "We can confirm that Harry Winks sustained ligament damage to his left ankle during Saturday's win at Burnley. He will continue to be monitored by our medical team during his recovery and will be unavailable for the remainder of the season."

Winks will now miss Tottenham's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on 22 April along with the rest of the Premier League campaign. Up until now the England youth international had enjoyed a splendid breakthrough season, making 33 appearances in all competitions.

Spurs' central midfield options look rather light going into the final stretch of the league season, and the injury to Winks may force Pochettino into a change of system. Eric Dier has operated in the heart of Tottenham's defence for much of the campaign, but the England international may need to step into the engine room should Wanyama's injury prove to be severe.