Tottenham's Andros Townsend not in squad for Arsenal clash, according to Sky Sources
Sunday 8 November 2015 19:46, UK
Andros Townsend will not be part of Tottenham's squad for the North London derby against Arsenal, according to Sky sources.
The England winger was disciplined by boss Mauricio Pochettino this week after an altercation with club fitness coach Nathan Gardiner following the Monday Night Football win over Aston Villa.
Townsend was dropped from the squad for Thursday's Europa League win over Anderlecht and has been made to train with the U21s.
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The England international has apologised for his actions but it remains to be seen whether the England international will be allowed to return to the senior squad during the upcoming international break.
Explaining his decision to punish Townsend, Pochettino said on Wednesday: "When you behave in the wrong way, obviously you need to pay.
"It's my decision when he is available again. For me, discipline is very important. We have a very young squad and they can make mistakes, but when you cross the limit it's important to stop that.
"As a manager I am very friendly, but discipline is very important between us and the staff. The staff need to show respect to the players and the players need to show respect to the staff."
Townsend has started just three games this season - two in the Europa League and one in the League Cup - but has been told he still has a future at White Hart Lane.
Pochettino said: "He is still young. He has recognised he made a mistake. He has apologised. I can understand because I was a player and when you're not playing you are not happy.
"Sometimes your expectations are bigger than what your manager provides you, but it's not normal behaviour and he understands it's the not the way he needs to take to impress the manager.
"All players have a future. It's up to them to have a future here. Football can change quickly. He is in our squad because we believe in him and believe he can do very good things, but it's up to the player to show me I am wrong with my previous decisions."
