Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed defender duo Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld haven’t traveled with the team to Italy. Spurs are scheduled to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League opener on Tuesday.
It’s a bit surprising as the players were involved in the 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at the Wembley stadium. Both the players had a lengthy summer representing their respective countries in the World Cup and they continued their involvement in the UEFA Nations League too.
Hugo Lloris and Dele Alli were the early casualties and they are joined by Tripper and Alderweireld although Pochettino has made it clear the decision has been taken due to a “technical” issue.
The Argentine gaffer said, “We still have out Hugo Lloris, Dele Alli and Moussa Sissoko. They are in London. They are on the list with players like [Juan] Foyth and GK Nkoudou. Then a technical decision in London – Toby Alderweireld and Kieran Trippier.
“It’s a technical decision. You can look it up in the dictionary. Tactical? That is on the pitch, although guess you could say this is tactical off of the pitch
“You are clever enough to understand that this is my fifth season and I never punish players. The plan is to leave them there and use different players tomorrow. There’s nothing behind it, only that we’re playing with different players.
“Everyone is available to give their best. Of course we need to try to give our best. We have ahead of a lot of games. We came from difficult circumstances with the World Cup. We have a plan to give different players a rest in all competitions.”
