Ange Postecoglou has explained why Spurs star Son Heung-min missed the opening game of the club’s pre-season tour against West Ham at Optus Stadium in Perth.
The South Korean forward played no part in the 3-2 loss to the Hammers, not even named among the substitutes of Postecoglou’s first matchday side in charge.
Asked about why Son and a few other senior players missed the game altogether, the Tottenham boss explained: “Tanguy (Ndombele) got a knock at training yesterday on his ankle, nothing serious that kept him out today.
“Sonny, he’s only done two sessions. He only arrived with us (in Perth), so we kind of made the decision not to use him tonight, but he worked hard in training today.
“Him Eric Dier, Djed Spence and Joe Rodon. So they’re guys who kind of came in late, and hopefully they’ll be ready to play a part in the next two games.”
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The Australian brought all the big guns to Perth, and despite starting a strong XI including Harry Kane and new signing James Maddison, West Ham managed to carve out a two-goal lead in the first half with a pair of strikes against the run of play to Danny Ings and Divin Mubama.
Tottenham equalised through second-half goals to Giovani Lo Celso and Destiny Udogie before West Ham substitute Gianluca Scamacca sealed bragging rights for his side with a late winner.
Spurs will now leave Australia as they continue their pre-season travels with clashes against Leicester City, Lion City Sailors, Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Brentford on August 13 AEST.
