Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko ruled out until April after knee surgery

The combative midfielder had initially played a big role under Jose Mourinho

(AFP via Getty Images)

Tottenham have been dealt a significant blow with the news that Moussa Sissoko has been ruled out for three months, after having surgery on his knee.

The midfielder had started seven out of the last eight league games under Jose Mourinho – being suspended for the other – and had quickly become a key figure in the centre of the park since the Portuguese manager arrived.

Against Southampton on New Year’s Day, however, he suffered a knee injury which forced him to miss the FA Cup encounter with Middlesbrough and, after having a scan, the club revealed he had to undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Sissoko suffered damage to his medial collateral ligament in his right knee and the club say he is expected to be sidelined until early April.

The 30-year-old has scored twice in recent weeks, against Bournemouth and Burnley.

With Sissoko now sidelined and Tanguy Ndombele struggling for consistent levels of fitness, Mourinho will face to find a new pairing in the centre of the park.

Harry Winks has been out of favour of late and may return, with Eric Dier, Oliver Skipp and Christian Eriksen further options.

Tottenham face league-leaders Liverpool in the Premier League at the weekend and are in need of a positive result after taking one point from their last two matches.

Striker Harry Kane and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are also injury absentees, while Liverpool themselves lost James Milner to injury in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returned to action, however, and both Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho are expected to be back in full training this week.