Tottenham: Mathys Tel 'on crutches' as Roberto De Zerbi fears 'bad injury' in huge blow

Tel suffered a heavy challenge to his left Achilles in the first half and left the stadium on crutches; De Zerbi fears a significant absence.

Mathys Tel sustained what manager Roberto De Zerbi described as a "bad injury" during Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to Leeds United. The French forward was caught by a heavy challenge from Leeds defender Jayden Bogle, who landed studs-up on Tel's left Achilles as they contested for the ball shortly before half-time. Tel initially attempted to continue but eventually signalled to be substituted, replaced by Dominic Solanke. VAR reviewed the challenge for a possible red card over four minutes but did not send referee John Brooks to the monitor, and Bogle escaped punishment. Tel left Elland Road on crutches wearing a protective boot. De Zerbi told his post-match press conference that the initial prognosis is not encouraging and that medical assessments in the coming days will determine the extent of the injury.