Belgium boss Roberto Martinez happy with Tottenham's management of Toby Alderweireld

Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has pronounced himself happy with Tottenham’s management of Toby Alderweireld.

The Belgian defender, who has only recently returned from a major hamstring injury, was left out of the squad that claimed a 2-2 draw against Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday but played 90 minutes of Spurs’ FA Cup fifth round draw in Rochdale.

Standard Sport revealed last week that Alderweireld had been frustrated to have missed out on the party that travelled to Turin.

Martinez confirmed that that had been the case but said he saw no cause for concern in the way Tottenham had been managing a player whose fitness he will be keen to preserve ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

“I have recently had a good conversation with Toby Alderweireld,” Martinez told Het Laatste Nieuws.

“I'm happy that Spurs take their time and don't rush him back. But of course Toby would have liked to have played against Juventus. His situation will need time.”

With only 18 months remaining on his contract, unless Spurs activate a clause in his deal that would extend it by a further year but allow him to leave for £25.4million in the summer of 2019, Alderweireld’s future is likely to be of interest to a host of Europe’s leading sides.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, who has established himself as one of Europe’s most highly-regarded defenders since joining from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2015.

“Toby has become one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League,” Martinez added.

“It's normal that his situation draws a lot of attention, certainly when he's nearing the end of his contract. But I think that he'll end this season in top shape.”