LONDON • Harry Kane's ankle injury that will sideline him until March was tough to take but has not affected the club's January transfer window plans, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino told Sky Sports on Wednesday.
The striker damaged left ankle ligaments during the 1-0 Premier League loss to Manchester United at Wembley last Sunday and will be out for at least six weeks.
Spurs are already without forward Son Heung-min, who left after the United game to play for South Korea at the Asian Cup which runs until the Feb 1 final.
But France midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who injured his groin before half-time in the United defeat, should be fit for the League Cup semi-final second leg at Chelsea next Thursday. Spurs lead 1-0 from the first game at Wembley.
Pochettino said it was "tough" to be without "one of the best strikers in the world" but added that it could be an opportunity for the academy players.
He said: "We were always open to improve with Harry in (good) condition or not, but we know it is going to be difficult to add the player we want. It didn't change our mind, it's a very good opportunity for players to play more, to step up. I'm sure it's going to be a good opportunity for young players from the academy to show their quality."
He has brought several youngsters into the first team squad, with midfielder Oliver Skipp and Argentinian defender Juan Foyth already featuring this season. But he is likely to rely on the experienced Fernando Llorente as a replacement for Kane, while speedy Brazilian forward Lucas Moura should be back from injury soon.
"We know what it means to have Harry Kane fit, but we have a squad and (his absence) can't be an excuse," Pochettino said, ahead of the Premier League match at Fulham on Sunday. "We need to play with the same mentality - thinking we can beat any team."
Meanwhile, midfielder Mousa Dembele joined Guangzhou R&F yesterday on a three-year deal. The Belgian international, 31, will cost the Chinese Super League club about €12 million (S$18.55 million).
REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
MANCHESTER, England (REUTERS) - Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero will travel with the rest of their squad for their FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion having nearly recovered
Man City's Aguero in frame to face Brighton in FA Cup
next.co.uk - shop online for the latest fashion for women, men, children and homeware. Next day delivery and free returns available.
The Next 48hOURS - Home | Facebook
Qatar won the Asian Cup held in the UAE earlier this year. (AFP pic) HONG KONG: China was all but confirmed as host nation of the next Asian Cup tournament in 2023 after the only other bidders
China all but confirmed as 2023 Asian Cup hosts after Korea
Football: Mourinho concedes Man United incapable of living
VALLETTA • Spain coach Luis Enrique put up a vigorous defence of Alvaro Morata after the striker was closely criticised over the weekend for one more wasteful show of their opening Euro 2020 qualifying win over Norway, insisting he had "his best match with us".
Football - Morata double gives Spain win over defensive Malta
Atletico Madrid needed Thomas Lemar to come off the bench and score an 85th-minute winner against Eibar on Saturday as they stretched their lead over Real Madrid to seven points in La Liga. Real play at home to in-form Athletic Bilbao on Sunday but Atletico took another step towards finishing above their city rivals for a second consecutive
Atletico extend lead over Real with narrow win over Eibar | IOL
Chelsea sweat on Kante fitness for Europa League final. By. AFP - May 29, 2019 10:39 AM. N'Golo Kante is a doubtful starter in the final of the Europa League against Arsenal in Baku, Azerbaijan
Chelsea sweat on Kante fitness for Europa League final- The
Pep Guardiola is confident his achievements at Manchester City will not be tarnished by UEFA's investigation into alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches and trusted the club to resolve the
Guardiola trusts Man City to resolve FFP allegations | The
Eden Hazard marks milestone with early goal to help Belgium win Michy Batshuayi got the other goal for the top team in the FIFA rankings, who began their campaign last Thursday with a 3-1 home
Hazard marks milestone with early goal to help Belgium win
Football: Wasteful Barca held to goalless draw at defiant Lyon Lyon's Anthony Lopes makes a save from Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Emmanuel Foudrot, Reuters LYON, France - Barcelona were held to a frustrating 0-0
Wasteful Barca held to goalless draw at defiant Lyon - Reuters
Newport manager believes shock City victory possible
0 comments:
Post a Comment