Sunderland boss David Moyes has confirmed that defender Patrick van Aanholt was withdrawn from the team to face Tottenham on Sunday because of the results of tests on his heart.

The Dutchman’s withdrawal from the starting XI at White Hart Lane on Sunday barely 30 minutes before kick-off sparked a series of conspiracy theories, but Moyes revealed on Tuesday morning that he had been advised not to play the full-back by cardiologists.

Moyes said: “He had the statutory checks with the cardiologists and the FA panel of cardiologists looked at it and advised us really late on Sunday that he should not play until further tests had taken place.”