Dier sidelined after having appendix removed

Eric Dier will not play again for Tottenham this year after having his appendix removed, the club have confirmed.

The England midfielder complained to club doctors about pain in his abdomen and had to be immediately booked in for an operation to solve the situation.

"Eric Dier has undergone surgery to remove his appendix," a club statement read.

"The England international midfielder was diagnosed with appendicitis after contacting our medical staff due to acute Abdominal pain. He received immediate treatment to assess and then remove the appendix.

"He will now undergo a period of recovery before commencing rehabilitation and it is expected he will return to training with the squad in January. 

"Along with our Medical staff, we wish to thank the NHS for their excellent treatment of Eric."

Dier absence will come as a major blow to Spurs as the festive fixture pile-up approaches, with youngster Oliver Skipp having replaced him in the team for the late win over Burnley on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has started 13 of Tottenham's 17 Premier League games this season to date, but will now be spending the Christmas period with his feet up.