Spurs defender Sessegnon has surgery following fresh injury setback

Tottenham defender Ryan Sessegnon is set for another spell on the sidelines after needing surgery on a fresh hamstring problem suffered while playing for the Under-21s.

Sessegnon has been plagued by muscle injuries and underwent an operation on his left hamstring in the first week of pre-season training under new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.

The 23-year-old, signed from Fulham in the summer of 2019, had only just returned to action for the first team, coming on as a late substitute in the FA Cup third-round win over Burnley.

Spurs confirmed the latest setback would see Sessegnon requiring another spell of rehabilitation, having been forced off towards the end of the first half of the 1-1 draw against West Ham in the Premier League 2 fixture on February 17.

A club statement read: "Ryan Sessegnon has undergone surgery to his right hamstring following an injury during an Under-21s match.

"The 23-year-old will continue to be closely monitored by our medical team to determine when he can return to training."

Sessegnon posted on social media: "Gutted beyond belief. Just when I saw light at the end of the tunnel and thought I was back doing what I love, I've hit another setback.

"I've been down this road before. I'll pick myself up, stay headstrong and begin my recovery in the best way possible.

"Having been through an operation and the recovery on my other hamstring last year and knowing how strong that hamstring is now, I know this is the best solution to put an end to the reoccurring issues.

"Thank you to those who have sent messages of support."

Sessegnon has made only 57 appearances for Spurs since arriving in a £25million deal and is under contract until next summer.

Spurs manager Postecoglou has a number of injury concerns at full-back with Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro also sidelined.

Italian left-back Udogie, 21, is expected to return against Crystal Palace on Saturday while Spaniard Porro remains a doubt.

Postecoglou started with Ben Davies and Emerson Royal in the 2-1 home defeat to Wolves earlier this month.

Spurs lie fifth in the Premier League table, five points behind Aston Villa.