Andre Villas-Boas has ordered Emmanuel Adebayor to train with Tottenham’s reserves.

Roberto Soldado has become Spurs’ number one striker following his £26 million move from Valencia and Jermain Defoe has been first-choice back-up.

Adebayor has not played a competitive game since he was given extended compassionate leave following the death of his brother in Togo.

The striker returned to London towards the end of last month but he has gone back to Africa, for “personal reasons”, according to the Spurs manager.

The 29-year-old, who is one of Tottenham’s top earners, will return on Monday and he will then train with the club’s second string.

“At the moment Ade is not with us, because we have granted him authorisation to stay up until Monday in his country for personal reasons,” the Tottenham manager said.

“Up to when I find it appropriate, he will train with the development team.”

Tottenham host Norwich tomorrow in what will be the first match of the post-Gareth Bale era.

After being peppered with questions about the now Real Madrid attacking midfielder over the entire summer, it is clear that Villas-Boas wants to forget the saga.

The Portuguese responded with a very blunt “no” when asked whether he felt any emotion at seeing images of Bale train with his new team.

“What we have to do is move on,” the Tottenham manager added.