Perry Groves has claimed that he believes Mauricio Pochettino will start Harry Kane on the bench for the Champions League final against Liverpool.
The striker has not featured since the quarter final first leg against Manchester City back in April, but could be in line to feature in the showpiece event in Madrid next Saturday.
But former Arsenal man Groves is of the opinion that he will not start that match.
Speaking on talkSPORT (May 24th, 11.30am), he said: “My gut feeling is that he’ll put him on the bench.
“There’s a difference between being fit and being match fit and match sharp. Harry Kane will understand if he is on the bench and Lucas Moura’s starting. Lucas has got a hat trick [in the semi-final], he’s got confidence, he’s flying.
“As an Arsenal fan I hope Harry Kane plays because I don’t think he’s going to be 100%.”
OPINION
This is probably what Pochettino will do. Kane is obviously the star turn in this Spurs side, but he’s no use to anybody if he’s not at 100% fitness. As it is, you would be surprised if he didn’t make the squad, but putting him in the starting 11 could prove to be a bit risky. It’s reminiscent of when Ronaldo featured in the 1998 World Cup final. There were debates in the days leading up to the match as to whether he would make it. He did, of course, but he looked jaded throughout, and you have to wonder how much of an effect that had on stunting a superb Brazil side against France. Playing Kane when he isn’t completely at it could have a similar effect on Spurs. When you consider how well Lucas Moura has been playing as well, it feels like an unnecessary risk to take in a huge game. Leave him on the bench, bring him on for the last quarter of the match, but don’t rest all your hopes on a player who hasn’t featured since April.