Tottenham striker and England captain, Harry Kane’s injury update suggest that he will be out of contention until early March. Kane picked up the ankle ligament injury during the team’s previous game, against Manchester United. How will Spurs be affected by the loss of their most important player?
At any point in any season, this is Tottenham’s biggest fear. Harry Kane, one of the best forwards in the world, and the team’s most influential player, will be sidelined through injury. Thankfully, the most recent medical issue looks set to affect the forward for only 2-3 weeks.
Harry Kane’s injury update will no doubt cause alarm inside the London club’s boardroom. The striker has been, perhaps, the most prolific goalscorer of the Premier League in its modern era. He has won the Golden Boot on two occasions. He has lead Tottenham to increasingly good Premier League finishes. This season he has scored 18 times for Spurs, with the goals being an important reason for the team, technically, remaining in the title race.
Where do Tottenham find themselves at the moment?
Spurs are third in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool. But things change fast in British football. Until last week’s defeat to United, Spurs were considered likely title contenders. Similarly, a string of losses could help seed panic.
The run of fixtures until Kane’s return from injury is also not particularly kind. Spurs will play Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League and face Borussia Dortmund in a well balanced Champions League tie. Simply put, if not dealt with properly, by early March, most of Tottenham’s objectives could already have been lost.
Who will replace Harry Kane?
Tottenham is known for being able to create a highly competitive team on a relatively small budget. However, their squad is not renowned for depth, an issue that may prove crucial.
Spurs’ biggest hopes will hinge on Son Heung-Min, the Korean striker who has managed eight goals this season, and has often shown glimpses of brilliance. However, Heung-Min generally partners with Kane in attack. Who is likely to set in Kane’s place in the starting line-up?
If Mauricio Pochettino opts to maintain the same style of play, then Fernando Llorente, 33 year-old Spanish striker, is bound to receive more time on the pitch. Lucas Moura, who has been deployed in a deeper position, could also be deemed a suitable replacement.
Harry Kane’s injury update leaves Tottenham scrambling to find a way of dealing with the loss of such an influential player. Their first test will arrive this weekend, when they play 19th place Fulham, in a match that will be included in a free FootballCoin contest.
Eduard Bănulescu
