Van der Vaart unhappy over Europa decision

Rafael van der Vaart is unhappy at being left out of Tottenham’s Europa League squad, claiming the decision was not discussed with him.

The 28-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during Spurs’ dismal 5-1 defeat to Manchester City, with the north London side later confirming the Dutchman would be out for up to six weeks.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp therefore decided to leave van der Vaart out of his Europa League squad to allow the player to concentrate on the domestic campaign and avoid risking further injury.

However, following treatment from a specialist in the Netherlands, the Dutch international midfielder feels he will be at match fitness earlier than anticipated and has expressed his disappointment and bemusement at being left out of the squad.

“I still think it’s a peculiar situation,” he told his official website.

“Spurs could at least have consulted me. Anyway it’s up to the point of no return. I will be focusing on the game against Liverpool.”

“I’m pretty convinced I will be fit by then thanks to Dick van Toorn.”

Spurs start their European campaign in Greece at PAOK Salonika on Thursday, but have been faced with a rising number of injuries, with England defender Michael Dawson the latest to be out of the team with an Achilles’ problem.

However, if Spurs progress through the group stages, they will be allowed to add a further three players to their current squad, meaning there is still hope for the Dutchman to play in Europe this season.