Spurs: 'Desperate' claim emerges after cruel blow for £14.7m star

Tottenham Hotspur right-back Matt Doherty’s season-ending injury has come at the worst possible time as ‘he started to show signs’ that he could be a success in north London, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Irishman was forced off the pitch just 21 minutes into Spurs’ 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

According to Football.London correspondent Alasdair Gold, Doherty is set to miss the remainder of the campaign after feeling the effects of a challenge from Villa right-back Matty Cash.

The report suggests scans have revealed the 29-cap Republic of Ireland international has ruptured the medial collateral ligament in his knee and will be on the sidelines for up to 12 weeks.

It is understood that a decision has yet to be made on whether Doherty will undergo surgery after suffering the problem.

The major setback comes after the full-back had just started to become a key member of Spurs head coach Antonio Conte’s squad, having initially shown little faith following his appointment last November.

Doherty started each of the north Londoners’ last seven Premier League encounters and, in that time, recorded five goal contributions.

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Prior to his recent upturn in form, Doherty had found it tough since making the £14.7million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020.

Doherty has featured under Jose Mourinho, Ryan Mason, Nuno Espirito Santo and Conte after swapping Molineux for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In that time, the 30-year-old has made 55 appearances and Jones understands Spurs are frustrated by Doherty’s injury blow as they are eager for him to be a success in north London.

The transfer insider told GIVEMESPORT: “They want it to work out