Team News: Spurs set to take on Vitesse sans two key match-winning superstars

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min left out of the Tottenham Hotspur Europa Conference League squad against Vitesse

According to Football.London, Tottenham Hotspur manager, Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Harry Kane and Son Heung-min will not be joining the team for the match against SBV Vitesse in the Europa Conference League.

Spurs are coming off the back of a 3-2 win at St James Park against Newcastle United in the Premier League. The win saw them rise to fifth place in the league with 15 points from eight matches. Both Kane and Son scored a goal each, cementing the key role they fulfill at Spurs.

However, the forward duo has now been left out of the squad that travels to the Netherlands to face off against Vitesse. Nuno has since admitted that the decision was made keeping this weekend’s game against West Ham United in mind. He has however denied speculation that the squad has been ‘weakened’ for the ECL.

“It’s a situation that we decided in this specific week. We considered that it’s the best way to go and compete well tomorrow and compete well on Sunday.”

The Tottenham boss has further added that it is not his fault if someone else gets an idea that they are not prioritising this competition. He claims to have chosen the squad while planning for the future as it ensures that every player is match ready.

“If someone gets that interpretation, I cannot do anything. We respect all the competitions, we respect all the games.”

Nuno’s decision in a nutshell also showcases the lack of depth we have in the side. Kane and Son are by far our best players and the options below them peter off steeply. The game against Vitesse should if anything showcase the key role the attacking duo plat at Tottenham.

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While the Portuguese manager has denied the accusation, it is normal for top teams to prioritise certain competitions over others. But what is important is the effort involved in the preparation as it determines the respect for the game of football.

Spurs should have enough in their tank to see of Vitesse. Even without Kane and Son, it would be embarrassing to suggest that we cannot even find out way past teams lacking in top-class quality.