Tottenham fans on social media were bemused over the fact that Toby Alderweireld was named in Belgium’s latest squad.
Spurs’ official Twitter account shared on Friday that the 29-year-old centre-back was one of three Spurs players to be named in Roberto Martinez’s squad for Belgium’s friendly game against Saudi Arabia.
?? @JanVertonghen, @mousadembele and @AlderweireldTob have been called up to the latest @BelRedDevils squad ? pic.twitter.com/dbQCuQ2eo9
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 16, 2018
Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele were the other Spurs players who earned an international call-up for Belgian, but fans focused on the fact Alderweireld was in the squad.
The centre-back has only made two appearances for Mauricio Pochettino’s side in 2018, with a hamstring injury keeping him on the sidelines.
This prompted several Spurs fans on Twitter to question how the defender was available to play for his nation, but not for his club.
One supporter tweeted that it was not worth the risk letting Alderweireld go out on international duty, while another just wanted him to stay at the club and work on getting fit for Spurs.
Pochettino in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Swansea City, revealed that the defender was back in training after his recent injury, and commented on his chances of playing against the Swans.
“Yes, back in training Tuesday with the team,” said the Spurs manager, as quoted by Football.London.
“We’ll see, I need to decide. I still haven’t decided if he will be involved or not in the trip to Swansea.”
One fan on Twitter acknowledged that Alderweireld could play on Saturday and shared that any issue regarding the call-up would go away if he starts the game against the Swans.
This is Futbol have rounded up some of the best tweets about the Alderweireld being called-up to Belgium’s squad:
Toby not even playing for us, how can he be called up. Not worth the risk
— Eddy (@Eddy1882) March 16, 2018
Wait Toby is fit enough to play for Belgium, but not for Spurs ?
— Ishaq (@IshaqThfc) March 16, 2018
How we letting Toby go. Out if he's. Injured?
— Billy McGon (@BillyMcgon) March 16, 2018
One team is managed by Roberto Martinez and one managed by Poch. I think that will tell you all you need to know!
— Charlespurs (@Charlespurs) March 16, 2018
That's how good he is. Poch please note. COYS
— Brian (@MrBrian1961) March 16, 2018
I would like to seen Poch keep Alderweireld to work on his rehab. Can’t rush him back! #COYS https://t.co/c7K2JArtag
— Harry Hotspur (@HarryHotspurWHL) March 16, 2018
Well first things first, does Toby start tomorrow? If he does it can simmer the growing idea that there is an issue with Poch n he’s got 1 foot out the door. Martinez won’t risk him in a friendly just good policy to get the squad together
— Anthony Thalman (@athalman37) March 16, 2018