LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas revealed on Thursday that he has asked Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor to train with the Premier League club’s reserve team.
The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Spurs following the arrival of Roberto Soldado from Valencia and was recently granted leave to return to Togo after the death of his brother, Peter.
Adebayor is due to return to London on Monday and Villas-Boas says that when he does, he will have to train with the club’s second-string players.
“At the moment Ade is not with us, because we have granted him authorisation to stay up until Monday in his country for personal reasons, so he’s not going to be involved against Norwich (on Saturday),” Villas-Boas said.
“Up to when I find it appropriate, he will train with the development team.”
Villas-Boas was also critical of right-back Kyle Walker, who had to issue an apology after a Sunday newspaper published pictures of him inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, on a night out with friends earlier this year.
“The player has assumed the responsibility of having failed to set an example, which I think is something that is honourable, but you wouldn’t expect him to do it again,” Villas-Boas said.
“He accepted the responsibility of having failed as a role model towards young people and I don’t think we will see the incident again.”
Walker played twice for England during the international break, after apologising to national manager Roy Hodgson for his behaviour, and Villas-Boas said he would be considered for selection against Norwich City on Saturday.
“He seems in the right state of mind,” the Portuguese said.
“He told me he was in the right state of mind for England as well, so I see no issue there.” (AFP)