Published: 3 October, 2013
by DAN CARRIER

SPURS boss Andre Villas-Boas faces a selection headache with first teamers Sandro and Younes Kaboul, both seen as shoe-ins until long-term injuries curtailed their progress, heading towards full fitness.

West Ham visit White Hart Lane on Sunday and AVB will be looking to use his squad to halt any fatigue as he attempts to land success in both the Premier League and Europe.

The pair have been used sparingly so far but with Danny Rose’s continuing absence at left back, AVB is faced with the temptation to move Jan Vertonghen to that position and draft in Kaboul at centre back.

AVB could also give striker Jermain Defoe some pitch time   on Sunday – the former Hammer has an exemplary track record against his old club.

Meanwhile, the Spurs coach defended Vertonghen after the Belgium centre-back faced the wrath of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho following the 1-1 draw on Saturday. Fernando Torres appeared to scratch the Spurs defender in the face and was lucky not to be shown a straight red. Later, Torres was sent off after jumping into another challenge with Vertonghen with his arms raised.

Mourinho accused Vertonghen of playacting, but AVB hit back saying: “I’m extremely happy most of the media saw the incident, knows about Jan’s values and have decided to draw positive conclusions about him and about his character.”