Andre Villas-Boas says Togolese striker will not feature against Norwich.
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed Emmanuel Adebayor is still on compassionate leave in Togo but says the striker will continue to train with the development squad until further notice.
The striker missed the majority of Spurs’ pre-season following the death of his brother and Adebayor has not featured in any of the club’s first three Premier League matches of the season.
The 29-year-old, who was linked with a move away from White Hart Lane in August, has reportedly been training with the development squad but returned to Togo during the international break.
Speaking to the media ahead of Tottenham’s clash with Norwich on Saturday, Villas-Boas confirmed that Adebayor would not feature against the Canaries and said the former Arsenal forward would continue to train with the development squad, presumably to build up his fitness, ntil he said otherwise.
Journalist Ben Pearce was at Villas-Boas’ press conference:
#thfc At the training ground for AVB’s press conference, which is starting shortly.
— Ben Pearce (@BenPearceSpurs) September 12, 2013
#thfc AVB: “At the moment Ade is not with us. We have granted him authorisation to stay up until Monday in his country for personal reasons”
— Ben Pearce (@BenPearceSpurs) September 12, 2013
#thfc AVB: “He [Ade] is not going to be involved against Norwich. Up to when I find it appropriate, he will train with the development team”
— Ben Pearce (@BenPearceSpurs) September 12, 2013
Despite a dismal campaign last season in which he scored just five Premier League goals, Adebayor has recently spoken of his belief that he will be Tottenham’s number one striker this season.
The North London outfit spent £26m on Spain international Roberto Soldado this summer and the 28-year-old has scored two goals in his first three Premier League games.
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