Tottenham Hotspur will take on Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley this evening.
Vertonghen is just one booking away from suspension, and with Manchester City coming up at the weekend, there was a feeling that Vertonghen could be rested this evening.
Spurs’ task of beating Brighton looks a lot easier than toppling league leaders City.
But Pochettino insists that he will not be taking the Seagulls lightly, and he intends to play Vertonghen in the fixture.
“That decision I never like to take,” he said. “If Jan gets another yellow card and cannot play against City then another player is going to play.
“Sometimes it happens that you want to avoid something like this, and the day before [the second match] on the training pitch the player gets injured. Then he is still one yellow card off a ban and still doesn’t play. It’s a tricky situation.
“I think the most important game is tomorrow. We need to win. If some players show they are a little bit tired, it is maybe best to avoid problems and play with another.
“But if I rest players, it could translate the idea that we are not focusing on Brighton, and I don’t want to make that mistake.”
Vertonghen’s importance for Spurs has been increased in recent times, due to an injury to Toby Alderweireld.
Vertonghen is Spurs’ most experienced defender, and has a crucial role to play for Pochettino’s side.
Spurs are under pressure to pick up a victory against Brighton this evening.
Tottenham head into the match as heavy favourites, but they have not always performed to their best at Wembley this term.
If Tottenham can pick up a victory this evening they could move into the top four, providing other results go in their favour.
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