Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has been omitted from Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League squad.
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho says he hasn’t told Wanyama personally why he was left out according to the Sun.
“He’s been ill for three days. I haven’t seen him and I didn’t have the chance to tell him. When he is back, I will try to explain,” said Mourinho on Tuesday.
Mourinho was speaking at a news conference ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay with Southampton.
The North London club remain without the services of injured midfielder Moussa Sissoko their talisman Harry Kane.
List A
Toby Alderweireld, Dele Alli, Serge Aurier, Steven Bergwijn, Ben Davies, Eric Dier, Gedson Fernandes, Paulo Gazzaniga, Harry Kane, Eric Lamela, Hugo Lloris, Giovani Lo Celso, Lucas Moura, Tanguy Ndombele, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Moussa Sissoko, Son Heung-Min, Jan Vertonghen, Michel Vorm, Harry Winks.
List B
Jamie Bowden, Timothy Eyoma, Juan Foyth, Troy Parrott, Oliver Skipp, Japhet Tanganga, Harvey White Alfie Whiteman.
Wanyama has lost his place in Mourinho’s plans as plenty of central midfield options are available with the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks, Giovani Lo Celso, and Eric Dier. Injuries and his match fitness concerns have not helped the midfielder either.
Wanyama has not started a single Premier League game in the 2019/20 season. The former Southampton star has been restricted to just four appearances this campaign, playing a total of 122 minutes.
Spurs have reportedly tried to sell him on in the last two summers but to no avail. He has 18 months left on his contract.
Before the January transfer window deadline, Mourinho revealed it was difficult for the club to find suitors for the defensive midfielder.
Wanyama was linked with a move to European clubs such as West Ham, Bayer Leverkusen, Fiorentina, Amiens, Lazio, Celtic, Norwich City, Aston Villa and Galatasaray.
Wanyama, who was signed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino for £11.5million (Sh2 billion) in 2016, made 47 appearances in his first season at Tottenham but only 24 the following term as his popularity under the Argentine dwindled.
