Writing on Twitter, reliable Spurs correspondent Charlie Eccleshare has revealed the real reason behind Tanguy Ndombele and his absence from the north London derby - describing it as a 'big blow for Tottenham' as they have had to cope without, arguably, one of their best players of the season so far. 

After being omitted by manager Jose Mourinho for much of last campaign, with speculation mounting over his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ndombele has become a vocal point of the Lilywhites attack recently.

Ndombele absence revealed

Oozing flair and creativity in the attacking midfield position behind a rotating front trio, the Frenchman has come on leaps and bounds since signing for Spurs in a club-record deal last summer.

However, Mourinho's side have had to cope without him today in the north London derby, with Eccleshare now revealing the reason behind his absence after a 'big blow for Tottenham'.

Indeed, as he writes on social media, the Athletic correspondent has claimed he is 'unwell' - with the circumstances potentially worrying given we are in the middle of a global pandemic, although there is nothing to suggest his illness is related to this at this time.

Transfer Tavern take

Having become one of Spurs' most improved player of the season, along with, debatably, Serge Aurier - Ndombele missing the north London derby is a blow to the player himself as well as supporters.

The 23-year-old would have started his first north London derby since moving to the Premier League, and he will surely be devastated to miss out on what is a momentous occasion.

In other news: Jose Mourinho refused to rule out a Spurs return for this amazing ace, find out more here.