No Belgian trip for Kaboul
Younes Kaboul’s future at Tottenham appears less certain after he stayed at home for the UEFA Cup clash against Anderlecht in Belgium despite a shortage of defenders for Juande Ramos.
Kaboul arrived from Auxerre this summer in a deal valued upwards of £8m but has looked shaky at centre-back, and he has made costly errors in his last two appearances.
Head coach Ramos has centre-backs Ledley King, Ricardo Rocha and Anthony Gardner on the sidelines but will field a makeshift defence at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium tomorrow, rather than include Kaboul for a match where a draw will confirm Spurs’ place in the knockout stages.
Ramos insisted the decision was made so he could utilise his squad and he also confirmed the club would not be looking to send the France Under-21 defender on loan next month.
“I don’t know why I would send Kaboul out on loan,” said Ramos. “He is our player and we are very satisfied and happy he is with us. We have a squad and we have to try and let all of the players play, participate and feel important.
“I don’t think Kaboul is depressed. He is a young lad who is very focused and with lots of desire. I am convinced he is looking forward to playing again and he has the quality to do so.”
Midfielder Didier Zokora has found himself in defence as Spurs have chased results recently, and he is confident of Kaboul coming back rather than going the way of other calamitous Spurs centre-backs such as Ramon Vega.
“It’s difficult for Younes but he is a strong boy and he can come back,” said Zokora.
