Toby Alderweireld still has a future at Tottenham despite falling out of favour this season, says manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Belgium defender Alderweireld has not appeared in the Premier League since October and has been left out of Spurs' last two matchday squads.
He could win a recall for Saturday's home clash with Manchester City after left-back Danny Rose was ruled out with a calf problem.
But while City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with Alderweireld, Pochettino says his absence is purely a matter of competition for places.
"I think we make a drama sometimes for small things," the Spurs boss told reporters on Thursday.
"After 14 games unbeaten there's no point talking about a player that did not play and was injured for a long time. Toby is still our player [with a] two-year contract.
"I'm sure he's going to play [before] the end of the season. He's doing well, he’s training and he only needs to wait for his opportunity."
City's visit to Wembley Stadium sees Kyle Walker return to face his former fans for the first time and Pochettino expects a warm welcome.
"Of course the fans feel disappointed that he decided to move to City," the Tottenham manager said.
"But in the end that is human nature... sometimes you need a new challenge, a new experience and new motivation.
"For me, Kyle will always be a player that did a lot for the club, did a lot for us in three years and of course the club did a lot for him.
"The relationship is good with us, with the club. He deserves a good reception."
