Wanyama’s future bleak after being omitted from Tottenham’s squad
London, Wednesday
Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama’s stay at Tottenham seems to be on borrowed time after boss Jose Mourinho omitted his name in the team’s Champions League squad ahead of their round of 16 clash against RB Leipzig on February 19.
Mourinho submitted his squad for the knockout stages with a few changes to that which took part in the group phase, but midfield marshal Wanyama is the notable omission.
January signings Steven Bergwijn and Gedson Fernandes have made the team with Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose dropping out after their respective moves to Inter Milan and Newcastle respectively.
Harry Kane has still been named in the side despite an injury that keeps him out of action until April at the earliest meaning he would likely only be able to take part if Tottenham reach the semi-finals.
Japhet Tanganga has broken into the first team of late and he has been rewarded with a place on Spurs’ B-list.
The squad is split into two lists with each club being required to name a maximum of 25 players with a minimum of eight places reserved for locally trained players.
There must also be a minimum of two goalkeepers included, but Mourinho has surprisingly opted for five by including Michel Vorm in the international group along with Alfie Whiteman and Brandon Austin on list B.
Vorm’s addition though comes at the expense of Wanyama, who Tottenham were trying to sell in the January transfer window, but Lazio failed to seal a last minute deal.
Troy Parrott has also moved to the list B group, with Mourinho explaining that decision and his curious call to include Vorm over Wanyama.
“Parrott goes to the B squad. In practical terms it is the same. He is available to play,” he said.
“Victor and Michel [Vorm] is a different story.
“I feel safer by having Michel on the list.
“I don’t want to have the risk of losing Paulo or Hugo and not to have Michel on the list.
“Victor is in a position where we have lots of players. Winks, Dier, Skipp and Gedson.”
