Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt one "devastating" blow this week, according to club legend Gary Mabbutt.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, the former central defender claimed that Spurs may suffer in the absence of Toby Alderweireld after sustaining an injury during their 2-0 win over Manchester City at the weekend.

The 31-year-old came off in the 81st minute with a muscular problem, which left manager Jose Mourinho rather anxious post-game as he described it as "bad."

During his Europa League press conference, the Portuguese boss confirmed that the centre-back would be out for between two and four weeks, meaning he will definitely be unavailable for crucial games against Ludogorets and Chelsea.

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And Mabbutt knows how huge a miss he will be, he told FFC:

"It would be a massive blow. I think he's been outstanding this season.

"If you look at Toby over the last few years, when him and Jan [Vertonghen] were the partnership at the back, they were probably one of the best partnerships in the world. You know, fantastic, the way they worked together. And of course, losing him is going to be devastating."

Alderweireld has started ten games in all competitions and has been key to Spurs keeping three clean sheets in their last four Premier League fixtures, as per Transfermarkt.

It means the 'Special One' will be left with only Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez in the Europa League tonight with Joe Rodon ineligible for selection.

In December 2019, the Belgian international signed a contract extension to 2023, which was one of Mourinho's first pieces of business after replacing Mauricio Pochettino.

CIES Football Observatory currently value the veteran defender at €30m (£26.5m). He will indeed be a huge miss for Spurs heading into the festive period.

AND in other news, Spurs can unlock Giovani Lo Celso with swoop for £62m-rated "huge talent"...