Mauricio Pochettino did include Jan Vertonghen in Tottenham’s matchday squad against Manchester City, but the £100k-per-week defender didn’t get off the bench. Lucas Moura replaced Harry Winks in the 56th minute, Giovani Lo Celso replaced Erik Lamela in the 85th minute and Oliver Skipp replaced Christian Eriksen in the 90th minute.
Vertonghen was dropped against Aston Villa on August 10 and still can’t get a game after being criticised by his manager for a lack of fitness. The 32-year-old was forced to watch on as Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez started at the heart of the defence in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with City, but he may soon be given a reprieve if he impresses in training.
Tottenham can’t afford to be without Vertonghen due to their lack of defensive depth. Juan Foyth is currently injured and suspended, so his return to the first-team may be weeks away. Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama can operate at centre-back in makeshift roles, but it’s not an ideal situation for Pochettino.
This may be Vertonghen’s final season at Tottenham. His contract is up in 2020 and it’s hard to see him agreeing to an extension while he and Pochettino aren’t seeing eye to eye. It would be sad to end his seven-year association with the club in this manner, so here’s hoping the pair can patch things up.