Monday 12 February 2018 12:45, UK
Toby Alderweireld is not expected to travel with Tottenham for their Champions League clash away to Juventus on Tuesday.
It is understood a decision has been taken to leave the defender in London to continue conditioning work and rehabilitation, rather than making the trip to Turin to feature as a substitute.
The Belgium international had been sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury but declared to Sky Sports News in January he was "fit, strong and ready to give 100 per cent" towards Spurs' fight for a top-four place.
He made his comeback in the recent cup victory over Newport County where he played the full 90 minutes, but has not been in the squad for three successive Premier League games since insisting on his readiness.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino became agitated when asked about the omission of Alderweireld, who has been involved in protracted talks over a new contract, from Saturday's squad to face Arsenal.
The Argentine manager carefully manages the return of players following long-term injuries to avoid them suffering a recurrence, and it is understood this is the case for Alderweireld, adopting a similar approach with defender Danny Rose and forward Erik Lamela earlier this season.
Summer signing Davinson Sanchez has deputised alongside Jan Vertonghen in the absence of Alderweireld, and is expected to feature in the last-16 first-leg tie at the Juventus Stadium.
