Ryan Mason explains Ndombele Tottenham snub for Carabao Cup final
Tottenham interim boss Ryan Mason has revealed why Tanguy Ndombele did not feature in last Sunday’s disappointing Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
After a difficult start to life in north London, the Frenchman has gone to become a regular starter for Spurs. However, Ndombele was left on the bench as Mason’s men put on a toothless display at Wembley to extend their trophyless streak to 13 years.
Speaking ahead of Sunday night’s clash with Sheffield United, Mason explained his reasoning behind not turning to the talented playmaker.
He said: “We have got over 20 top top players, top professionals, so every single game people can have an opinion and make an argument for playing a certain individual in a certain position.
“But we felt and believed in a certain way, with certain players, that game we wanted to approach it.
“After 60 or 70 minutes the game plan and the idea was working and we believed, in that moment, the subs would make an impact.
“Unfortunately a set-play has done us and that’s tough to take. But every game we go into there is going to be players that want to play and expect to play and when you play for a big club like Tottenham that is always going to be the case.”
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
Kane good to go
Mason also revealed that Harry Kane is fit to face the Blades after being off the pace against City last weekend.
The England skipper started the game, having been sidelined for 10 days with an ankle injury he picked up at Everton.
The striker, who continues to be linked with a move away this summer, has had a week-long break to prepare for the home clash.
Mason added: “Harry was fine in terms of his injury. He was disappointed like all of us. Harry is a top professional, like the group are.”
The Spurs chief also confirmed that Ben Davies is the only absentee for the weekend.
Tottenham still have an outside chance of finishing fourth and securing Champions League football. However, realistically they will probably have to win their remaining five games to do so.
READ MORE: Tottenham target Ten Hag rejects ‘serious offers’ to pen new Ajax contract in huge blow
