Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino was not too perturbed after a pair of key defenders hobbled out of Sunday's clash with Stoke City.

Toby Alderweireld left the White Hart Lane pitch in the first five minutes of the second half of the 4-0 victory after appearing to hurt his groin, while Jan Vertonghen was replaced on 66 minutes.

But Pochettino is convinced the duo were simply looking after themselves following a hectic run of games for the North Londoners.

"I think they were very tired, it is very difficult with the recovery and after 4-0, they asked to leave and I think it was for caution," he told Sky Sports after Harry Kane scored a hat-trick.

"We hope it is nothing important and we will assess them today and tomorrow."

Both Alderweireld and Vertonghen have missed some football due to injury this season with the former appearing just 18 times in the Premier League and the latter on 21 occasions.

Second-placed Spurs next meet Everton at home on Sunday, March 5.