Harry Kane could face Chelsea, says Mauricio Pochettino
ByReuters
Updated 29/03/2018 at 13:58 GMT
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has refused to rule striker Harry Kane out of his team's clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2018 in London, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Both teams are looking to secure a top-four finish to ensure participation in next season's Champions League. Fourth-placed Tottenham currently occupy the final qualification spot and sit five points ahead of Chelsea with eight games left this season.
Kane will be assessed before the weekend, with the striker stepping up his recovery from an ankle injury he picked up in this month's 4-1 win over Bournemouth.
"Every day he is improving. We need to assess him in the next few days. It’s difficult now to say yes or no." Pochettino said.
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An injured Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur holds his ankle during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Bournemouth, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
"I cannot say no, but I cannot say yes. Maybe next weekend. But the most important is that we are so positive about his recovery, and we are doing fantastic, and we are so happy.
"After Bournemouth everybody believed it would be a long period out, but the resolution has been fantastic."
Pochettino went on to say how there will be plenty of pressure on both sides in the race to finish in the top four.
"It is always a massive game because it is a London derby. I think when you play this type of game, I think the pressure is for both teams,"
"Of course there are still a lot of games to play, it is not a final. It is not a decisive game that is going to put you in one or another position... but obviously it is important for your confidence, your motivation."
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Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte before the match
Image credit: Reuters
Tottenham have not beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1990, when striker Gary Lineker scored the winning goal in a 2-1 league victory.
"I think it is not a point of focus for us – we are focused on performance and the possibility to be better than them and have the capacity to win the game," Pochettino added.
"Of course the history is the history. It's there but it's not going to help, first of all Chelsea and then us... to win against Chelsea would be fantastic for everyone but it will be a tough game, they are a good team."
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