• Premier League

Freund still sees key role for Adebayor

ESPN staff
October 30, 2012
Emmanuel Adebayor is unlikely to appear in the Capital One Cup © PA Photos
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Tottenham assistant manager Steffen Freund insists Emmanuel Adebayor is still a valuable part of the Spurs framework despite the striker failing to start a game this season.

Adebayor, 28, earned a permanent deal at White Hart Lane after impressing during his loan spell from Manchester City, but has since found himself out of the starting XI.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas recently quashed rumours that Adebayor will look for regular first team action in the January transfer window, with the Togolese international seemingly frustrated at being pushed behind Jermain Defore in the pecking order.

But persistent injuries have plagued Adebayor's progress this season and he will be sidelined for Tottenham's Capital One Cup trip to Norwich with a stomach bug, indicating that the onus is not entirely on the manager to play him.

Freund admits he understands Adebayor's desire to play regularly and believes he will be given his chance under Villas-Boas.

"Adebayor is sick today. We will have a look tomorrow [to see if he is fit for Norwich]," Freund said. "If you're not playing and you're injured then of course you are not happy.

"He's really sick but hopefully he will be back in time. He is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. We are happy to have him back here. We need every Tottenham Hotspur player.

"If Andre wants to rotate or change the position up front, it's good to have every player fit."

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