Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen add to Tottenham injury problems by limping off vs Stoke

Tottenham defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were forced off during Sunday's Premier League clash against Stoke City with injury problems.

Spurs put the visitors to the sword in a ruthless first-half display with Harry Kane's hat-trick and Dele Alli's goal seeming to put Mauricio Pochettino's side out of sight.

But Alderweireld picked up a groin problem just moments into the second half and immediately signalled to the bench that he needed to be replaced.

Alderweireld appeared to suggest he had pulled his groin as he conversed with Pochettino as he made his way off the White Hart Lane pitch.

Kevin Wimmer was brought on in the Belgian's place, but Alderweireld's potential spell on the sidelines will be a cause of concern for the north Londoners - especially as fellow first-choice centre-back Vertonghen soon joined him with what looked like a hamstring complaint.

The central defenders are pivotal to Tottenham's 3-4-2-1 formation and Spurs will be keen to ensure they are back to full fitness as soon as possible.

Pochettino has already had to make do without Alderweireld for a large chunk of the campaign due to a knee problem.