Mauricio Pochettino defiant over Spurs future of Kevin Wimmer

Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Wimmer still has a future at the club, despite being given the cold shoulder by manager Mauricio Pochettino this term. The Austrian centre-back has played just once for the north Londoners this season and shows little sign of coming back into contention.

Wimmer's latest snub came in the Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen, where the 23-year-old was not selected in the 18-man squad despite Toby Alderweireld missing the match through injury. The Belgium international suffered a knee injury against West Bromwich Albion and, though he escaped serious injury, is likely to miss a handful of games.

Over the past 12 months former FC Cologne defender Wimmer has spiralled down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, with Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Eric Dier and youngster Cameron Carter-Vicker the preferred options. But Pochettino has slammed suggestions Wimmer is no longer in his plans at Tottenham and says his omission is a reflection on the strength of his squad.

"Why are you confused? You are creating an issue that doesn't exist," the Tottenham coach told reporters, according to ESPN, after the goalless draw in Leverkusen. "You say it's a big problem for the supporters and the media are very concerned. His situation was [he was] out of the 18 players. I need to take a decision about that.

"When did I tell you he wasn't in my plans? I'm very honest with you. When a player is not in my plans, I tell you quickly but first I tell the player. He's in my plans. When I put him on the bench, another player needs to be put out. Tell me which player you'd switch with him?"

Though Wimmer is currently out of contention, he is likely to earn a first-team recall for the clash against Liverpool in the English Football League Cup – scene of his only start this season. He played the full 90 minutes in the 5-0 thumping of Gillingham in the third round in September and looks set to be a staple of Tottenham's domestic cup side.