Pochettino Should Think Twice Before Starting Harry Kane In The Upcoming Champions League Clash Against Real Madrid
Harry Kane’s fitness will be top concern for numerous Tottenham fans as they get ready to face Real Madrid in Champions League on Wednesday. After it was reported that Kane was a doubt for this high-profile fixture, latest reports suggest that the striker is back in training and that he could be involved in action on Wednesday night. Mauricio Pochettino will only hope that he can use the prolific Englishman in what will be a challenging match at Wembley. Despite all the hope and wish to use the phenomenal Kane against a team like Real Madrid, the question remains, as to whether Pochettino should rush the forward back into action.
Tottenham have gone from a considerable high to suffering back-to-back defeats, with the 1-1 draw at Real and 4-1 win over Liverpool being followed by a 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to West Ham. Things certainly did not improve against Manchester United, as Jose Mourinho’s men beat them 1-0.
Interestingly, Kane missed both the defeats that Spurs faced. If it comes as a choice to Pochettino, the manager should – without hesitation – play Kane. Tackling the reigning European champions will certainly not be easy, and Tottenham will need all the power they have.
Spurs are 3rd in the Premier League, 8 points behind leaders Manchester City and level with Real at the top of their Champions League pool. This could be a good chance for them to attempt to outplay Zinedine Zidane’s men, which will make Kane’s presence all the more necessary. As seen in the game against United, Spurs did not fail to attack against United – they were instead struggling to convert their efforts into goals.
Kane would be a welcome addition for the game against Real Madrid but having said that, it is up to the doctors to analyze and take the best decision, especially when it comes to Kane.
The two-time reigning Golden Boot winner was sidelined due to a minor strain in his left hamstring. The 24-year-old has threatened to transcend Tottenham over recent weeks because of his red-hot form; he has 17 goals in his past 13 games for the club and his country. While it does illustrate his impact, the fact remains that a hamstring injury is a hamstring injury and it cannot be rushed or risked.
As far as other options go, Pochettino does have Son Heung-min, who excelled up front during Kane’s injury-enforced absence last season, particularly in the home win over Manchester City, and the Argentine gaffer also has the option of using summer signing Fernando Llorente.
Kane’s absence is sure to hurt any team and if Pochettino has to make a choice, it would be wise on his part to rather not risk the striker as Spurs have a set of crucial games coming up. They are just one win away from qualifying for the knockouts of the Champions League and Pochettino should probably take a chance and offer his back-up options a chance to rise and shine against the reigning Champions.