Everton vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino confirms Jan Vertonghen is fit for Premier League season opener

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Sam Long11 August 2016

Jan Vertonghen will be fit for Tottenham's opening game of the Premier League season, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.

The Belgian defender injured his ankle ligaments during Euro 2016, and an early diagnosis suggested he would miss the start of the north Londoners' domestic campaign.

Vertonghen is yet to feature for Spurs in pre-season but trained alongside his teammates last week and will be available for Saturday's trip to face Everton at Goodison Park.

Pochettino told a pre-match press conference: "Good news, Jan Vertonghen is ready. Last week was perfect, he trained with the group."

The 29-year-old will now be expected to partner Toby Alderweireld in central defence against Ronald Koeman's side.

Vertonghen made 29 Premier League appearance last term and is one of the most senior members of Tottenham's squad, with his return set to give Spurs a timely boost as they prepare to launch a second successive title challenge.

News of Vertonghen's return means Pochettino has a fully fit squad to choose from this weekend apart from Clinton Njie, who is nursing a muscle strain, and the suspended Mousa Dembele.

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