Jan Vertonghen is not part of the Tottenham squad for this evening's opening Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa.
The Belgian international did feature in last Sunday's final pre-season friendly against Inter Milan but made way at the break.
There was no mention of an injury for the experienced defender when the club issued a team update on Friday afternoon, yet he misses out against the newly-promoted side.
Well, the reason for the player not making the squad against Dean Smith's side is not actually down to injury.
According to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison, Mauricio Pochettino has just decided to leave him out of the matchday squad.
His absence means that Davinson Sanchez get his place in the starting XI and he partners Toby Alderweireld at the back.
Spurs have limited numbers in the heart of defence for this evening's game as Juan Foyth, who may be utilised as a right-back this campaign, is suspended following his red card at Bournemouth in May.
However, the fact Vertonghen is missing does see Eric Dier return to the squad after missing all five pre-season games through injury after going under the knife on a problem detected on the first day of training in July.
There is no place in the squad for youngster Japhet Tanganga despite catching the eye in the summer friendlies.
