Spurs defender Ben Davies to have surgery on broken ankle

Ben Davies is stretchered off during the game against West Ham
Ben Davies is stretchered off during the game against West HamAction Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge

Wales captain Ben Davies faces ‍a race to be fit for his country's World Cup ​playoff semi-final in March after Tottenham Hotspur said he needs ‌an operation on a broken ankle.

Davies ‌was injured during Spurs' 2-1 home defeat by struggling West Ham United in the Premier League ⁠on Saturday.

The 32-year-old was given oxygen ‌before being carried off on a stretcher ​19 minutes into the game.

"We can confirm that Ben Davies will undergo surgery today for a fracture of his left ankle," ‌Tottenham said on their website. "Following the surgery, Ben will commence his rehabilitation with our medical ⁠staff."

As well as another injury blow for Spurs, who are without several senior players ahead of Tuesday's home Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, the injury to Davies could be a setback for Wales as they bid to reach the World ⁠Cup.

They face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their ‌World Cup playoff semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26th, with the winners at home to Northern Ireland or ⁠Italy on March 31st.