Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed speculation linking Toby Alderweireld with a possible departure, insisting his decision not to include the defender in the squad for Tuesday's meeting with Juventus is for the player's own good.
The Belgium international is on the comeback trail after injury, and while he featured in the recent FA Cup win over Newport County, he's wasn't involved in Saturday's 1-0 win against Arsenal, nor will he feature opposite the Italian champions in the UEFA Champions League.
His absence has triggered speculation about a possible transfer, but Pochettino insisted he is being cautious with Alderweireld's comeback, per Dan Kilpatrick of ESPN FC:
"My responsibility is to put him in at his best and not take risks," the Spurs boss said.