Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen denies being dropped due to poor fitness

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has denied he was dropped due to ‘poor fitness’ for the first three games of the season.

Following on from his first appearance against Arsenal on Sunday, the Belgium international has claimed his absence has simply been for tactical reasons, just as manager Mauricio Pochettino said before the opener against Aston Villa.

There had been speculation the 32-year-old had been involved in a bust-up with the Argentine about his contract situation (he has one year left and there has been no talk of an extension), and that he had arrived out of shape for pre-season (Daily Mail).

Addressing the claims, Vertonghen told The Evening Standard: “No, no, no – I came back fit. I played in every pre-season game and I didn’t miss a [training] session

“Like the manager explained before the first game against Villa, it was a tactical decision and I respect that decision. We players have to accept his decisions. I’m very, very happy to be back.”

TBR’s view

The situation remains slightly mysterious – for Vertonghen to not even make the first few squads when he says he has been fit is somewhat strange.

But fans will hope he will be able to get his head down now after returning to action against Arsenal.

He remains a key player for Spurs and is needed back at his best following a shaky start for the defence so far this season.