LONDON (AFP/GUARDIAN) - Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris faces a race to be fit for the start of the new Premier League season after suffering a fractured wrist, the Premier League club revealed on Monday.
The 28-year-old French international was injured in the period since the end of last season, but Tottenham didn't disclose exactly how he sustained the problem.
Lloris, who joined the north London club from French team Lyon in 2012, made 35 Premier League appearances last term and was one of the star performers for Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Lloris has been reported as a potential transfer target for Manchester United if the Old Trafford outfit sell their first choice keeper David de Gea to Real Madrid before the start of the season.
"The club can confirm that Hugo Lloris has sustained a fractured wrist during the close-season period," a statement on Tottenham's website announced.
"The France goalkeeper will continue to work alongside the First Team squad to build up his fitness in a bid to be ready for the start of the season.
"Our medical team will continue to monitor his rehabilitation and progress during pre-season."
Lloris is Tottenham's first-choice goalkeeper and captain and signed a new contract last summer on improved terms to run through to 2019.
However, he admitted last month that there comes a time "to think about yourself" when it became clear De Gea's future at United was in doubt.
Lloris, who is also France's captain, has long made it clear to the club's chairman, Daniel Levy, he is anxious to play in the Champions League, where he had featured in each of his four years with his previous side, particularly before Euro 2016 in his homeland.
Yet his time at White Hart Lane has failed to yield a return to Europe's elite competition and a fifth-place finish last season ensured the Europa League awaits yet again.
If Lloris is unable to recover in time for Tottenham's opening Premier League fixture at Manchester United on August 8 then former Swansea keeper Michel Vorm would likely deputise for the Frenchman.