Jan Vertonghen has insisted that Tottenham Hotspur will not look for excuses ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with Chelsea at White Hart Lane.

Spurs can move 13 points clear of the champions with victory in the London derby, but much of the build up has been dominated by the comments surrounding their hectic schedule.

Despite Mauricio Pochettino declaring himself unhappy with Spurs being forced to kickoff at 12pm after flying to Azerbaijan to meet Qarabag FK on Thursday, Vertonghen claims that the squad will be ready for their latest test.

"We can look for excuses, two days' less rest, but I don't think this team is like that," the Belgian told the club's website.

"We will be ready on Sunday, the Lane will help us and it's a London derby, so we don't need to look for motivation. We will be there and ready for them."

Spurs are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League games and have collected seven points from a possible nine in London derbies this season.