Mauricio Pochettino should have Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama back for the trip to Selhurst Park

Mousa Dembele has added to Spurs’ injury problems by being ruled out until the New Year with ligament damage to his right ankle.

The Belgian suffered an injury in the opening minutes of Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League last Saturday.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino confirmed days later it was not a break of the bone, but it has now been revealed as ligament damage.

Dembele has already missed one match – the Lilywhites 2-1 success over PSV – and will now be absent for potentially 12 fixtures in different competitions like the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup.

Elsewhere, there is better news on the central midfield front with Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama returning to training.

Dier has been absent since the 1-0 loss to Manchester City on October 29 with a thigh injury, but could feature at Crystal Palace this weekend.

Wanyama may also be involved at Selhurst Park for the 5.30pm kick-off after he was able to recover from the knee injury he suffered in the League Cup win away to West Ham United on October 31.

Tottenham will continue to be without Jan Vertonghen (hamstring) and Danny Rose (groin), but the latter could return by the end of November.

After playing on Tuesday night, Spurs boss Pochettino will have to decide how many changes he makes to the team which eventually saw off PSV to keep alive the club’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knock-out stage.