Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur will be sidelined for around two months after sustaining an ankle injury earlier this month. 

The Uruguay international made his first start since February – having just recovered from a serious knee injury – during Sunday’s loss against Aston Villa. 

He limped off after a heavy challenge from Matty Cash and following assessment, the Spurs boss has confirmed the midfielder will ‘miss a fair chunk of time’. 

‘He’ll probably miss a fair chunk of time between now and the New Year. It’s probably a couple of months for him to get back, which is disappointing for him because we alll know and have witnessed how hard he has worked to get back. 

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur will be sidelined for two months

The Uruguayan midfielder hobbled off during their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday 

‘He got back playing for his country, he got his first start and he started awfully well for us. For him personally, everyone is fairly gutted but he is such a positive guy. 

‘He can’t wait to get cracking again and I’m in no doubt we will see him back as soon as possible’.

It comes as a huge blow to Postecoglou, who is already missing a host of key players – including James Maddison and Mickey van de Ven – through injury.

The Spurs boss already admitted, following the 2-1 home defeat against Villa, that another injury was the last thing his Tottenham side needed. 

‘It wasn’t a great tackle. I thought he started the game so well,’ Postecoglou said on Saturday.

‘That’s the last thing we need — another injury. We’ve got eight [players injured], Bentancur nine. It’s just the situation we’re in at the minute.

‘We’ll get through it. It might take a while, but we’ll get through it. I’m sure when you come through the other side, we’ll be a very good football team’. 

The Tottenham boss also confirmed that fellow midfielder Pape Matar Sarr will not be available for their trip to the Etihad on Sunday. 

The midfielder had only just recovered from a serious knee injury – which kept him out for eight months – prior to his appearance in the starting line-up against Villa

‘We’ve just got to make sure the players stay focused on what’s important right now.’

Bentancur’s injury comes at a crucial time for Tottenham, who have suffered three defeats in a row in their Premier League outings. 

The north London outfit will travel to reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, where they hope to rectify their struggling form. 

However, with Pep Guardiola’s side unbeaten since the start of October, Postecoglou will be well aware of the challenge that lies ahead for his team.