Tottenham have today confirmed that central midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has undergone surgery for a hamstring problem.

The Uruguayan sustained the injury late on in the 3-2 loss at Bournemouth earlier this month, and his absence is a significant blow for Thomas Frank’s side.

Bentancur has started 17 of Spurs’ 21 league games this season having established himself as a key man under the Danish boss.

Spurs confirm Bentancur blow

“We can confirm that Rodrigo Bentancur has undergone surgery on his right hamstring,” a statement read on the club’s official website.

“The Uruguay international midfielder suffered the injury during our Premier League fixture at Bournemouth last week and will now commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff.”

North London side enduring injury hit campaign

The former Juventus man becomes the latest casualty in what has been an injury-hit season for the north London side.

Lucas Bergvall was forced off in the same defeat at Bournemouth owing to a muscle injury, while James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus are also presently missing.

Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie, meanwhile, have only recently returned to first team duties, the former making his first appearance since August in Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup third round loss to Aston Villa.

Tottenham close in on Gallagher

Bentancur’s injury has forced Spurs into the January transfer market as the club closes in on the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.

The 25-year-old has struggled for game time for the Spanish giants this season despite playing a key role for Atletico in his debut campaign in Madrid.

Villa had been confident they’d win the race to sign Gallagher as they sought to bolster their midfield.

However, Spurs are expected to confirm the permanent signing of the England international in time for Saturday’s welcome with relegation-threatened West Ham.