Jose Mourinho explains Carlos Vinicius absence in Everton vs Tottenham

Speaking in his post-match presser (h/t Football.london), Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has revealed the reason behind leaving Carlos Vinicius out of the matchday squad against Everton.

Tottenham travelled to Goodison Park on Friday night hoping to bounce back to winning ways. However, that was not to be as Everton came back from going down a goal to take a 2-1 lead before Harry Kane equalised to ensure that the spoils were shared.

The result now makes it three games in a row without a win for Mourinho & co. following the draw to Newcastle and defeat to Manchester United. This leaves us five points below West Ham in fourth place, who happen to have a game in hand as well.

There were more concerns for Tottenham as Harry Kane appeared to pick up an ankle injury in the dying stages and had to hobble off the field. This, coupled with the conspicuous absence of Carlos Vinicius from the matchday squad did lead to worries as we face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final in a week.

Mourinho, however, has eased any fears, stating that Vinicius was not part of the Tottenham squad against Everton because he felt he had enough attacking options. The Brazilian is not out with any injury or such.

“It was a tactical decision. We went with two strikers on the pitch. We had Dele, we had Gareth Bale, we had Lamela and Lucas to eventually come into these two positions of mobility and we decided to leave Carlos out but not injured. Only two play.”

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Vinicius started in the games against Aston Villa and Newcastle United but was as a substitute against Manchester United last time out before being completely chopped against Everton. The Brazilian has scored ten goals since coming in on loan from SL Benfica last summer. As things stand, it seems a bit unlikely that Tottenham will sign him on a permanent basis when his loan deal runs out.