Pochettino says Kane could be fit to take on Real
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MAURICIO Pochettino is confident Harry Kane will be fit for Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Champions League showdown with Real Madrid after the England striker took part in training yesterday.
Kane missed Saturday’s 0-1 defeat at Manchester United with a hamstring injury but showed no visible sign of discomfort during a light session at Tottenham’s training base in north London.
The 24-year-old was able to complete some short sprints and basic passing drills while at one point he made a hand gesture appearing to suggest he felt fine.
His return at Wembley today would be a huge boost for Tottenham, given Kane has scored five goals in three European games so far.
Pochettino is hopeful Kane, who has 13 club goals this season, will be ready to start against the European champion.
But, perhaps in a bid to keep Real guessing, the Argentine stopped short of declaring his forward was certain to feature.
“We’re very confident,” the coach said. “He’s on the list. Maybe it’s possible for him to play but I don’t want to say 100 per cent. He trained today but it is important we make the right decision.”
Tottenham is level on seven points with Real in Group H after the sides shared a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.
After losing its last two games against Manchester United in the English Premier League and West Ham United in the League Cup, Pochettino’s side goes into today’s match aiming to reestablish some momentum.
Pochettino called on his stars to take the fight to Real as they bid for a famous victory.
“It’s a good opportunity and a great challenge. I have the belief we can win. I have faith in my players. We must play with freedom and enjoy the game. We have to show our quality.”
Even if Kane doesn’t play, Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen believes Spurs can match Real.
“Harry is a very important player on and off the pitch for this group and having him is always a major boost but definitely we can beat them,” Vertonghen said.
“With or without Harry Kane, we go for the win.”
If Pochettino opts to keep Kane on the sidelines, at least he can welcome Dele Alli back from suspension.
England midfielder Alli was banned for Spurs’ first three group games and has struggled to hit peak form this season.
Boost his morale
But Pochettino is certain Alli’s involvement in Tottenham’s European campaign will boost his morale.
Real arrives in England on a downer after Sunday’s shock La Liga defeat at minnow Girona left it eight points behind leader Barcelona.
It is also set to be without injured trio Gareth Bale, Keylor Navas and Raphael Varane.
But Pochettino has warned his side to expect a Real backlash.
“We’re not going to watch anything related to Girona. We only analyze the Champions League games and 15 days ago when we play against them,” Pochettino said.
“I think Real Madrid have the capacity and quality to change completely in two days.”
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