Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful of having key defender Toby Alderweireld back from injury in the near future.

Belgium international Alderweireld has been sidelined for just over a month due to a hamstring problem picked up in the 3-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid, with some reports suggesting that he could absent for around three months.

However, ahead of a Wembley clash with Stoke City on Saturday, Pochettino played down those concerns and confirmed that Alderweireld is making a good recovery.

He told reporters: “He is doing well, I think someone misinterpreted. That is why I want to clarify the situation.

“He said if, in the case there was the injury, maybe I am going to spend 14 weeks out, but that is not the case. He is on time and he is doing well, recovering well.

“We don’t need to be worried because he avoided an injury that would maybe keep him out for a long time.”

In the absence of Alderweireld, Spurs have suffered a slump in form in the Premier League, winning just one of their last five league games.

Last time out they drew 1-1 at Watford, a game in which Davinson Sanchez was shown a straight red card to heighten the defensive issues facing Pochettino.

He rested both Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen for the midweek Champions League clash with Apoel Nicosia, but that duo are expected to be recalled for the visit of the Potters.

Spurs have won their last three meetings with Stoke by 4-0 scorelines, with Harry Kane finding the net no fewer than six times in that hat-trick of victories.

England ace Kane is available at 4/9 to score at any time on Saturday and is 13/8 to score two or more goals against the Potters, while Tottenham are priced at 15/8 to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.