Winks injury delivers blow to Spurs

London (AFP) – Tottenham suffered a blow as they chase a possible domestic double with the news highly-rated midfielder Harry Winks is out for the rest of the season with an ankle ligament injury. 

The 21-year-old — who has impressed this season making 33 appearances in all competitions — suffered the injury in the 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday that saw them draw to within seven points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Winks — who has represented England in all age groups up to Under-21 level — has also been robbed of a chance of lifting the FA Cup having layed an influential role in their run to the semi-finals where they meet Chelsea.   

“We can confirm that @HarryWinks sustained ligament damage to his left ankle during Saturday’s win at Burnley,” Tottenham said via their official Twitter account.

“@HarryWinks will continue to be monitored by our medical team during his recovery and will be unavailable for the remainder of the season.”

Winks’ absence will come as a blow to Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is left relying on Kenyan midfield enforcer Victor Wanyama and Belgian international Mousa Dembele in central midfield.

However, Wanyama is struggling to shake off a back injury ahead of Wednesday’s game at Swansea and with Winks out, it means Eric Dier may have to fill that role and switch from defence.