Tuesday 23 December 2014 17:37, UK
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says club captain Younes Kaboul is being overlooked for purely football reasons.
Kaboul has not featured in the league since Spurs' 2-1 defeat by Stoke on November 9, with a sole Europa League appearance against Besiktas his only involvement in the interim.
The 28-year-old has made only 12 appearances in all competitions since Pochettino's arrival in the summer, despite being appointed as club captain.
"It's a football decision, there is no other explanation," said Pochettino.
"When you decide to pick the starting XI it's not because he's captain or that his name is different from another. You pick the player because it's your job, and it's my decision.
"The captain means that you are a leader but because you are a captain you are not sure of starting. I am the head coach and I decide the players for each game."
Meanwhile, Spurs hope to have midfielder Ryan Mason available for their clash with bottom club Leicester on Boxing Day after he twisted an ankle against Burnley.
