Pochettino gives update on injury-stricken Tottenham star – could be major blow for England

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that his is ‘concerned’ about full-back Kieran Trippier after he was substituted with an injury late on in Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

The England international appeared to twist his knee and was seen walking around with ice strapped to the area after the full-time whistle.

Pochettino is hopeful that it is not a serious problem but admitted that more would become clear later in the week.

“We need to wait until Thursday and after that we will assess,” the former Southampton boss told Sky Sports.

“I wish and I hope that he is OK.

“Of course we are a little bit concerned about the situation.

“I hope fitness is not a big issue, and he can be ready and fit to play at the World Cup.

“I think it was a twist of his knee.”

Whilst the fact that Trippier stayed at Wembley after being withdrawn from the action is a positive early indication, it now seems that he is unlikely to be in contention for Tottenham’s final Premier League clash of the campaign against Leicester City on Sunday.

England manager Gareth Southgate will also be keeping a close eye on the situation given that the 27-year-old has been his first-choice right-back for the last few matches.

With the World Cup finals now a little over a month away, Trippier will be desperate to regain full fitness and take his place on the plane to Russia.

His adventurous runs from deep and quality of crossing have helped him to break onto the international scene of late and he is expected to have a role to play as the Three Lions attempt to improve on dismal recent showings at major tournaments.

As for Tottenham, they may have to make do without Trippier against the Foxes, meaning Serge Aurier could come back into the fold if he recovers from a hamstring injury in time.