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Harry Kane is an injury problem for Tottenham ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Arsenal after missing training on Wednesday.
The Spurs captain, along with Sergio Reguilon, Carlos Vinicius and Erik Lamela, were not photographed in training ahead of the Europa League clash at Linz ASK on Thursday.
When asked about his absence, Mourinho confirmed in his pre-game press conference that the quartet is injured, and Lamela missed the last five games with a calf injury.
“I do not believe you [Lamela] has a chance for the weekend, “said Mourinho.” Harry, Vinicius and Sergio have the opportunity to be [fit] for the weekend.”
Mourinho later declined to reveal the nature of Kane’s injury, but added that there were “good chances” that the forward would return to face Arsenal.
He added: “I’m not going to tell you the nature of his injury. I think there is a good possibility. [for Sunday]I don’t want to lie, I don’t want to hide anything in relation to ‘Oh, is he going to play or not’. I think he’s going to play, that’s my feeling. “
Sunday, December 6 4:15 pm
Start 4:30 pm
Alderweireld in dispute for the Arsenal match
Meanwhile, Toby Alderweireld returns to training after missing the last matches against Ludogorets and Chelsea due to a muscle injury.
Mourinho selected Eric Dier and Joe Rodon as central defender for Sunday’s tie with Chelsea, and the Spurs manager admits he has options with Alderweireld in contention for Arsenal and Davinson Sánchez set to play Thursday.
“The [Alderweireld] has a chance. Not for tomorrow, not even an option, but in this recovery process he is doing very well and there are chances that he will play [Sunday]”Mourinho said.
Toby Alderweireld missed the game against Chelsea due to injury, but could return to Arsenal
“But Joe played Chelsea and it wasn’t an easy first game to play. Davinson will play tomorrow too, so we have our options. If Toby can’t play, we won’t cry, and it will be a chance for someone else.”
More to follow …
How José Transformed Ndombele & Dier: Is Alli Next?
Tanguy Ndombele once received his back from José Mourinho, while Eric Dier was a regular on Tottenham’s bench this time last year. Through tough love and expert man management, both are now key players for the Spurs. How has Mourinho done it?
On the latest Pitch to Post Review podcast, Ben Ransom and Gerard Brand join Jasper Taylor to discuss the couple’s improved form this season, and why Dele Alli may be next on Mourinho’s to-do list.
To hear more, download the Pitch to Post Review podcast from your provider
MNF Extra: How José’s Tactics Have Evolved
Tottenham host Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday, live Sky sports, and after scoring four points in his last two Premier League games, Gary Neville believes José Mourinho has found success by innovating an old tactic …
4:56
Gary Neville looks at how José Mourinho has adapted his tactics at Tottenham to make them tougher, but ‘more pleasing to the eye’
Keane doubts Spurs title credentials
When asked if Mourinho could lead Spurs to their first Premier League title since 1961, Roy Keane said Sky sports: “He’s done it before. His résumé is fantastic.
“But I don’t think these players he has at Spurs are good enough to win the title. They have the X factor in Mourinho and Harry Kane, I don’t think it’s enough. They were holding out at the end at Stamford Puente.
“I think they have a very good season, but a very good season is a big difference in trying to win the league title. I don’t think so. Manchester City are stronger than Spurs.”
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