Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino dropped Jan Vertonghen for the defeat of Aston Villa.

The Daily Mail says Vertonghen was left out of Tottenham's squad for their opening Premier League game against Aston Villa due to poor fitness levels and a disappointing pre-season.

Fans were surprised when Pochettino's 18-man match-day squad was announced for the game on Saturday, with veteran defender Vertonghen's name nowhere to be seen.

The London club went on to win the game, coming from behind to seal a 3-1 victory, with Pochettino insisting there "was no issue" with the centre back and that his absence was purely tactical.

However, Vertonghen was actually dropped because he has not returned to top shape following his summer break.