Player watch: Toby Alderweireld

[Kiedis]

Not sure I agree with the Toby is a crock narrative. Last season he got a freak injury because of a heavy knock and missed quite a few games as a result. This year he got by all accounts a nasty hamstring tear which could have happened to anyone and my guess is that he’s actually been ready and available since January but Poch has refused to play him meaning that injury was only a 6-8 week lay off. Kane has missed more games through injury in the last 2 years so should be flog him too just to be on the safe side, especially as it’s been the same reoccurring injury??

The 15/16 season is the only one of the last four seasons where he hasn't had a major injury. The knee stuff last year was indeed freakish, but it's not the first time he's had hamstring issues.
In regards to your guesswork that he's been fit since january, do you view the setback he suffered after playing the Colchester game as a smokescreen? Did they have him do individual work with the physio in the open training before the Juventus match to further sell this smokescreen?

 

[Hengy1]

Starting for Belgium

 

[LexingtonSpurs]

Starting for Belgium

Toby and Jan in a back 3 on either side of Kompany

 

[mark87]

If he isn't in the squad for Sunday then I think it's very telling.

 

[Shadydan]

If he isn't in the squad for Sunday then I think it's very telling.

He'll be in the squad just like he was for the Swansea match

 

[Hengy1]

Yep his place is now reserve CB unless a injury gives him a spot in starting line up

 

[Geyzer Soze]

Who?

 

[hutchiniho]

Will proabably need ‘resting’ after intl duty

 

[mickdale]

In Poch I trust

 

[belsunz]

Toby looking very shaky up til now. Conceded possession on 2-3 occassions already...

 

[hutchiniho]

Looks like he's playing the full 90.

 

[bubble07]

Toby and Jan in a back 3 on either side of Kompany

Wow

 

[coys200]

Toby looking very shaky up til now. Conceded possession on 2-3 occassions already...

Yup Belgium journo said he looked very rusty.

 

[SpartanSpur]

Just asked the London based Belgian journo about Toby tonight and although he didn't see the game he said he has heard similar.

Maybe Poch is telling the truth and he's just struggling for form and fitness like Rose. Maybe we should get him in the U23s for a couple of games if so.

 

[coys200]

Just asked the London based Belgian journo about Toby tonight and although he didn't see the game he said he has heard similar.

Maybe Poch is telling the truth and he's just struggling for form and fitness like Rose. Maybe we should get him in the U23s for a couple of games if so.

Look at Barkley 5 years younger had a very similar injury and is really struggling. People think oh just a hamstring no big deal. When it’s a 3-4 month lay off with a hamstring it’s a very big deal. Although attackers Torres and Owen were never the same players again. There may be a lot more to this contract situation than meets the eye.

 

[bubble07]

Just asked the London based Belgian journo about Toby tonight and although he didn't see the game he said he has heard similar.

Maybe Poch is telling the truth and he's just struggling for form and fitness like Rose. Maybe we should get him in the U23s for a couple of games if so.

Isnt it his job to watch and report?!!

 

[SpartanSpur]

Isnt it his job to watch and report?!!

Well his job is to cover the Belgian players in the Premier League, bit weird he wasn't watching his national team as a footy journo but I have no idea what he was doing

 

[SpartanSpur]

Look at Barkley 5 years younger had a very similar injury and is really struggling. People think oh just a hamstring no big deal. When it’s a 3-4 month lay off with a hamstring it’s a very big deal. Although attackers Torres and Owen were never the same players again. There may be a lot more to this contract situation than meets the eye.

I agree. Certainly one to watch. Similar situation with Rose as well right now.

 

[coy-spurs1882]

i don't think poch & levy are willing to restart the negotiation if he cannot return to his 100%

 

[Japhet]

Starting for Belgium

Part of the problem with International football is that they really don't give a fuck about the players fitness. It's even more annoying when player's rehab is put at risk in meaningless friendlies.