Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says that he does not expect striker Emmanuel Adebayor to be back into the team until the end of Christmas.
The Togo international is reportedly struggling with a virus, although Pochettino will have little complaints about missing the forward. Adebayor has been going through a terrible run of form this campaign. His position at the club is similar to that of striker Roberto Soldado. The 30-year-old has managed just two goals – same as that of Soldado – and he recently came in for backlash from the fans after he criticised their support at White Hart Lane.
Great things were expected of Tottenham when Pochettino was announced as replacement for Tim Sherwood, but the former Southampton boss has struggled to replicate the success. Tottenham have been highly inconsistent this season and they have managed only six points out of the team matches. Part of the reason for the struggle is the inability to score goals. The North London team are usually well known for the expansive style of football, but they have scored just 18 goals in 15 matches. Adebayor has not been seen near the first-team since his substitute appearance against Stoke City. Tottenham suffered a 2-1 defeat at home and Adebayor criticised the supporters after this match.
“After the international break, he came back with a problem with his back and after that, he picked up a virus.He’s not ready to play. I spoke with him during training on Friday and he told me that he still feels weak and it might be a few games before he plays,” said Pochettino. The extended absence from the first-team has prompted a rise in transfer rumours suggesting that Adebayor maybe sold in the January transfer window in order to raise funds for the purchase of a new striker.