Tottenham Hotspur fans are remaining calm despite speculation over Toby Alderweireld’s future at the club.
The Spurs defender has been left out of the travelling party to face Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday night, prompting some sections of the media to claim he is set to quit North London.
However, this does not reflect the views of the majority of the Tottenham faithful, many of whom took to Twitter to back manager Mauricio Pochettino’s decision.
Alderweireld has only just returned to Spurs first-team duties after three months sidelined with a hamstring injury and as such it is understandable that his boss is keen not to rush him back.
Having played the full 90 minutes against Newport County in an FA Cup replay last week, the 28-year-old was left out of the Tottenham matchday squad that took on rivals Arsenal on Saturday.
With only one fixture under his belt since October, Alderweireld was unlikely to start in Turin and there is no need to risk his fitness given the depth that the Lilywhites have in central defence.
Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen performed well against the Gunners, whilst Eric Dier and Ben Davies are more than capable of filling in at the back.
It has been deemed by the Tottenham management that Alderweireld would be best served working on his fitness in England, with a view to giving him more game time over the coming weeks.
Spurs supporters have learned to trust Pochettino’s judgement over a successful period with the Argentine at the helm and that is clearly demonstrated in the response to this news.
Whilst some have criticised Alderweireld’s omission and are worried that Tottenham may lose an instrumental figure, most feel that the speculation that has followed this decision is not particularly warranted.
The best of the reaction from Twitter can be found below:
Alderweireld and Vertonghen are both top 5 centre backs in the world
— Jack – Enic Out (@Jack_Doyle82) February 12, 2018
Toby Alderweireld is understood to be frustrated at not being selected in #THFC squad to face Juventus in Turin on Tuesday.
Who wouldn't be?#COYS
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) February 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/kieranspurs1/status/962816521570603009
Last time he was out last season when he came back he was in and out the side for a few weeks with muscle problems.
— David 🏴 (@david_don73thfc) February 12, 2018
Alderweireld situation looking bleak for Spurs forget being left out of squad look at facts he is 28 this is his last big contract is Levy going to give that to him? #COYS #THFC
— JimmyBC (@JimmyBCSpurs) February 12, 2018
If Alderweireld isn't ready, he isn't ready. Everyone calm down #COYS
— Tom Johnson (@TJ_2303) February 11, 2018
Very strange for Alderweireld (their best centre half) to play 90 minutes against a hatchet team last week and not even be named in the @SpursOfficial squad against Juve.
If the club let him go in the summer, I’ll be absolutely disgusted.#Alderweireld #THFC #COYS
— Danny Boyle (@DanjoBoyler) February 12, 2018
Regarding Toby Alderweireld current situation, people reading all sorts of speculation, because he was left out of AFC & Juve squads he must be on way out? Poch has done this before, he obviously feels Toby needs extra training to get match fit for tough games ahead? #COYS #THFC
— Alf Love (@alf_love47) February 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/Spursfordie/status/963047579826221056
Seems like Great piece of management! #COYS #THFC Pochettino says Alderweireld omitted from Juventus trip for sake of his career https://t.co/DxhjaPOWFZ
— Stian Berglund (@Duffe21) February 13, 2018
With the team still in three competitions #thfc manager Mauricio Pochettino will know the importance of reuniting Alderweireld with Jan Vertonghen as quickly as possible #ucl #pl
— Jack Wynne (@JackRobertWynne) February 12, 2018
In a World Cup year I can't imagine Alderweireld being unhappy with that level of caution. Frustrated at not playing maybe, but it's sensible for club and player. #THFC
— Jeff (@JeffG15563) February 12, 2018