Heart worry led to Van Aanholt exit

Sunderland manager David Moyes says defender Patrick van Aanholt was withdrawn from the team on Sunday just before the English Premier League game at Tottenham because of the results of tests on his heart.

The Dutchman's withdrawal from the starting line-up at White Hart Lane barely 30 minutes before kick-off was not fully explained on the day.

Moyes revealed on Tuesday he was advised not to play the fullback by cardiologists.

Moyes says Van Aanholt had the "statutory checks with the cardiologists, and the FA (Football Association) panel of cardiologists looked at it and advised us really late on Sunday that he should not play until further tests".

Van Aanholt has had further tests and will return to London with the rest of the northeast club's squad for Wednesday's English League Cup game against Queens Park Rangers.

Moyes is yet to make a decision on whether Van Aanholt will play.