Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli will miss the start of the new Premier League season after picking up a hamstring injury.
Dele was unavailable to face Inter Milan in Spurs' final game of pre-season with Mauricio Pochettino confirming post-match the England international won't be available for the visit of Aston Villa to north London on Saturday.
“I don’t know if the club communicate the time but I don’t believe he's going to be ready for the start of the season," Pochettino said.
Dele missed nine Premier League games through a similar injury last season and Pochettino admits there are concerns over the persistent problem, although he hopes to see him return to full training in a matter of weeks.
“It's the same area. Yes, of course, we are worried. He's still so young. Just 23-years-old [and he has had] many, many hamstring problems in the last few years.”
Pochettino continued: “But we are here to try to help him. I think [it is a] minor injury. Only a few weeks before he can be available again and be with the group.”
Juan Foyth also missed Sunday's clash after he was stretchered off in the Audi Cup earlier this week.
Serge Aurier has had injury issues of his own this summer and while he has returned to training, Pochettino was unable to confirm whether the Ivory Coast international will be ready for the weekend.
