Speaking to the press (via football.london), Tottenham Hotspur interim boss Ryan Mason has confirmed that Japhet Tanganga is set to miss their clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium today.

The Lowdown: Tanganga taken off against Aston Villa

The 22-year-old was stretchered off in the closing stages of their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in midweek, with right-back and 2020 signing Matt Doherty taking his place.

Tottenham fans were waiting for an update on the promising, versatile defender after what looked like a serious knock, coming after he was seemingly one of the bright sparks on an evening to forget.

Indeed, he was one of the five highest-rated Spurs players on SofaScore during their encounter with Villa, winning four of his six ground duels and making five clearances over the 83 minutes he played.

The Latest: Mason confirms Tanganga injury blow

Speaking ahead of Tottenham's clash with Leicester today, a hugely important showdown given that Spurs could still qualify for the Europa League if West Ham lose against Southampton, Mason has confirmed that Tanganga will indeed miss out.

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"Japhet and Ben are the only two at the moment," explained the 29-year-old to football.london.

"Japhet sustained a naughty ankle injury I think to his ligament so he won't feature at the weekend and hopefully it isn't too long for him out.

"Ben resumed some light training today so there the only two at the moment who aren't available for selection."

The Verdict: Blow for Tottenham

Tanganga has occasionally deputised at right-back as an alternative option to the likes of Doherty and Serge Aurier, with the latter pair arguably not displaying great form consistently over the 2020/21 season.

It's also another blow for the player personally after an injury-ridden season, with the youngster missing 19 games in total over a combined 104 days this term after various problems (Transfermarkt).

Whenever he does play, Tanganga usually impresses, as highlighted by former Spurs defender Michael Dawson's glowing reference. Speaking to the Spurs Web YouTube Channel, he lauded the young defender as a 'breath of fresh air' and 'fantastic' when he broke on to the scene.

However, Tottenham are set to be without him this afternoon, which is not what Mason would have wanted ahead of a tough assignment which could decide their European fate for next season.

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