Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence has sustained a broken jaw after colliding with Liam Delap during Chelsea’s win on Tuesday.
The full-back was struck in the face by the Chelsea striker’s elbow while the pair challenged for the ball in the 87th minute, with referee Stuart Attwell showing the Delap a yellow card.
Spence went down holding his face and following the diagnosis of a fracture is expected to now be forced to play with a protective mask. He has not been included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, which will be officially announced on Friday.
The 25-year-old posted about the incident on social media following the game.
Tottenham needed a win at Stamford Bridge to secure their Premier League safety but fell to a 2-1 defeat, meaning they enter the final round of fixtures only two points above West Ham in the final relegation spot.
Spence has made 43 appearances for Spurs this season but has started only one of their past five games, a 1-0 win over bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He made his last of four England appearances against Uruguay in March, after making his senior debut in September.
Tottenham head into Sunday’s game against Everton knowing a win will guarantee survival. A draw would also likely be enough given Spurs’ far superior goal difference over West Ham.