Dele Alli Left Out of Tottenham Squad for Southampton Trip

Dele Alli has been left out of the Tottenham squad for the trip to Southampton, reportedly leaving his teammates stunned.

The Englishman didn't travel to Bulgaria for Spurs' Europa League qualifier against Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the week, but that was perhaps seen as handing the attacking midfielder a chance to rest ahead of the weekend's Premier League fixture.

That, however, hasn't been the case with José Mourinho leaving Dele out for the second consecutive game, thrusting his Spurs future into doubt.

The 24-year-old endured a miserable opening 45 minutes in the Lilywhites' dire opening day defeat at home to Everton last Sunday, and it was reported during initial talks with Real Madrid over the loan signing of Gareth Bale that Dele was discussed as a potential swap deal option.

Nevertheless, The Telegraph reports that Dele's omission for the trip to St. Mary's has caused major surprise within the Tottenham squad, as the 24-year-old is a popular figure among his teammates.

The player himself is said to be 'upset and confused' about Mourinho's decision, with teammates fearing that he could be frozen out under the Portuguese string-puller.

Alternatively, it could also be a 'kick up the backside' ploy from the Tottenham boss in a bid to eventually return the attacking midfielder to his very best form.

The former MK Dons starlet was a key cog in Mauricio Pochettino's machine in N17, but there's no doubting a demise in the Englishman's play during the latter days of the Argentine's reign - with injury woes certainly not helping Dele's cause.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old then enjoyed a significant resurgence following Mourinho's arrival last November, registering seven goals and assists in the 'Special One's' first seven Premier League games at the helm, before enduring a rather unproductive second half of the season.

This is undoubtedly a situation to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.


Source : 90min