Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino sprang something of a surprise by revealing Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld had not travelled to face Inter Milan in the Champions League in a ‘technical decision’.
Spurs are without World Cup winner Hugo Lloris and England midfielder Dele Alli for Tuesday night's Champions League opener through injury.
France goalkeeper Lloris has a thigh injury and Alli a hamstring strain – while fellow midfielder Moussa Sissoko is sidelined by a similar problem.
However, more surprising is the news that Trippier and Alderweireld have been left at home as a tactical decision for the game.
"With a calf injury, Hugo Lloris is still out; Dele Alli and Moussa Sissoko are still injured and they are in London,” said Pochettino.
"For a technical decision, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld are there too."
Asked if Tripper and Alderweireld were injured, Pochettino said: "It was a technical decision. You can find it in the dictionary, technical decision. Maybe tactical also on the pitch, yes, it's tactical too.
"But it's a technical decision. You cannot bring 25 players and can only play 11 and seven on the bench. That is the reason."