Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo has claimed that "it is not the right moment" for Tanguy Ndombele to feature in the wake of his pre-season absences.
The former Lyon man - whose Spurs future has often been called into question - missed a good chunk of pre-season following the birth of his child.
However, Ndombele did not play a single minute for Spurs during their exhibition period, and Santo has since explained that the Frenchman was not "in the right moment" to play.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side's Premier League opener with Manchester City, Santo said: "There's always a reason in all the decisions that we make. We think, we talk, and then we decide.
"Tanguy did not perform in pre-season matches because we can see that it is not the right moment for him to be with the group in terms of competition."
Santo also confirmed that Harry Kane is back training with the group but refused to confirm that he would be fit to play on Sunday against admirers Manchester City.
Ben Knapton
