Injured Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Harry Winks will be risked for the team’s derby showdown against Arsenal next week, according to a reliable journalist.
Times football correspondent Henry Winter claimed in a column in the newspaper on Friday that striker Kane and central midfielder Winks are in line to return for the Emirates Stadium clash immediately after the international break.
The Spurs first-team pair withdrew from the England squad for their forthcoming friendly internationals against Germany and Spain, with manager Gareth Southgate claiming “there was no way Harry Kane and Harry Winks would be available for our two games,” and “whether Spurs risk them for the next game is another matter.”
Winter reported that there is no doubt about the pair’s participation against
“It’s the north London derby,” he wrote. “It’s huge. Of course they will be risked.”
Southgate’s comment came after Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino downplayed the knee injury Kane suffered against Crystal Palace last weekend and expressed total confidence that he will be able to lead the line at Emirates Stadium on Saturday week.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the Argentine said: “He received a kick in his knee but don’t worry, he will be available in the next game.”
The England international has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham this season and has netted 35 times in his last 38 matches.
Tottenham currently sit third in the Premier League with 23 points from the opening 11 games of the season, eight points behind league leaders Manchester City.
OPINION
Kane’s definite participation in the north London derby is a gamechanger. Tottenham suffered without their main man in their recent 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, and there is no doubt his outstanding all-round game makes Pochettino’s side a far more dangerous opponent. With Kane leading their attack, Spurs will go to Emirates Stadium confident of securing the win that would keep their title challenge on track. Winks is also an increasingly valuable player and has made huge strides this season to progress from the fringes to establish himself in the first team. Barring any more mishaps, expect both to start at Emirates Stadium.