Emmanuel Adebayor will miss Thursday’s Europa League tie against Besiktas after Tottenham allowed him to return home to Togo.

In a brief statement on their website, the club said: “We can confirm that Emmanuel Adebayor has been given permission to return home for personal reasons. This is a private matter and so we will not be providing any further comment.”

The Londoners are certain to qualify from Group C along with their Turkish opponents, and avoiding defeat would ensure they finish top.

Adebayor has not played for Tottenham since a 2-1 home defeat by Stoke on November 9, having suffered since with back and hamstring complaints as well as a virus.

The striker has struggled for form since Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival at White Hart Lane, scoring just twice in 12 appearances.

While the 30-year-old Togo international misses the trip to Turkey, there could be a return to action for Kyle Walker.