Tottenham left-back Gilberto is the latest player to fall foul of the strict regime under manager Juande Ramos for being overweight.

Gilberto has made only two appearances since he was signed from Hertha Berlin for £2million in January. The Brazilian made his debut against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup but was taken off at half time after his sluggish display gifted the Dutch side a goal which proved decisive. He then scored as a substitute against West Ham but has been left out for the past three weeks.

It is understood fitness coach Marco Alvarez decided Gilberto, 31, was carrying too much weight, mainly because of too much muscle, and has put him on a special training regime.

Meanwhile, Robbie Keane today hailed the club's £7.5m purchase of centre-half Jonathan Woodgate as one of the signings of the season.

"Woodgate has been brilliant," he said. "He has a great character and it's good to have those kind of people around who can lift the mood."