Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has acknowledged that Spurs may have to do without Jan Vertonghen during next month’s Champions League final against Liverpool. The north London side made it to the final showpiece after a dramatic turnaround against Ajax in the semi-final stage but it appears that they won’t be able to bank on the services of Vertonghen.

Speaking in a press conference, Pochettino said that the Belgian is very down at the moment, concerning he could miss the final after picking up an ankle injury in Amsterdam. He added that there are plenty of other individuals for the same position and it would require a team effort to secure the Champions League title.

He said: “Today he was very down which is normal. It’s the last [league] game of the season, but it’s a lot of time for him to come back. But like I always say, I hope to have all the squad available to play but if someone is not available to play then it’s about the team, a collective effort and of course we’re going to play with XI.”

Vertonghen has been a huge influence on the team during the course of the current campaign and his partnership with compatriot Toby Alderweireld has kept things tight at the heart of the defence. As such, his absence should prove a potential blow and Pochettino may have to adjust with either Eric Dier or Juan Foyth to partner Alderweireld.

Meanwhile, Pochettino has received some boost on the offensive end of the field with both Harry Winks and Harry Kane expected to return before the final. Kane should partner Lucas Moura and Heung-min Son upfront and the trio can create history by guiding the team to a maiden Champions League crown. Spurs have gone more than a decade without securing any silverware.