Jan Vertonghen reveals reason behind early-season Tottenham absence

Jan Vertonghen insists he was fit at the start of the season after Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino made him wait until Sunday’s north London derby at Arsenal to make his first appearance of the campaign.

The Belgium international missed the opening three games, with Pochettino claiming he had not fallen out with Vertonghen amid suggestions the defender was not fit enough after the summer break.

However, after playing in the 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in which the visitors surrendered a two-goal lead, Vertonghen said he had no fitness issues and revealed Pochettino had told him his exclusion for the games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle was for tactical reasons.

“I’m very, very happy to be back,” the defender said. “[Pochettino] said before the first game against Villa it was a tactical decision and I respect that decision.

“I came back fit. I played in every pre-season game and I didn’t miss a session. Like the manager explained, it was a tactical decision and we players have to accept his [Pochettino’s] decisions.”

Despite Vertonghen‘s return, Spurs were unable to maintain their two-goal lead, given to them by Christian Eriksen’s tap-in and a Harry Kane penalty following a reckless foul from Granit Xhaka.

Alexandre Lacazette pulled one back on the stroke of half-time before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earned the hosts a share of the spoils.

“It is a massive game for everyone and for myself as well to get back in rhythm, and it’s a shame we couldn’t win it,” Vertonghen added.

“I’m experienced and fit enough to get back into the rhythm and it was just the goal before half-time that gave them the spirit to get back in the game. If we just killed the first half and go into the dressing room with that good feeling it’s a different game.”

Tottenham’s next Premier League encounter is against Crystal Palace after the international break.

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