The England worldwide, who scored the victor in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Sunderland at White Hart Lane, had to be carried off on a stretcher following a collision with Black Cats defender Papy Djilobodji.
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Yes, the Spurs big time scorer and franchise cornerstone, a genuinely great guy on and off the pitch was taken off on a stretcher today, and later seen on crutches wearing a protective boot.
Pochettino admitted that he expects Kane has sustained ligament damage, but has backed Janssen – a £17million signing from AZ Alkmaar – to step up and keep Spurs on course in the title race and Champions League. “Now he feels pain in his ankle and we will see tomorrow … it’s hard without Harry but that’s the reason we signed Vincent (Janssen)”.
“When you’re in different competitions, Champions League is a different competition, we spent a lot of energy on Wednesday, it’s different to the Europa League”.
Pochettino was unable to be drawn on the extent of the injury of the striker, but felt he would not be left short of options following the pre-season signing of Vincent Janssen. We’re still trying to see better play of the ball, we try and play better, but we’re just at the start.
Kane was always unlikely to start Wednesday’s EFL Cup match against Gillingham but Spurs travel to Middlesbrough in the Premier League next weekend, before a vital Champions League game in Russian Federation against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday of week.
“Unfortunately, Vito (Mannone) got injured but that’s what I’m here to do and be a good back-up”, Pickford continued.
“This is the story of the season and that’s why we need all the players committed to the club”.
“I’m happy for him, but disappointed with his injury. When the team needs you you need to respond”. One thing is what the player wants, the other is the club decision.
Didier Ndong and Jason Denayer made full debuts for Sunderland, although the latter was only included after Moyes lost full-back Patrick van Aanholt to injury during the warm-up.
Asked whether Pochettino’s comments had hurt, the goalkeeper added: “Yes, but you know it is only the truth”.
“I’d like to be straight”.
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“We’ve got to start picking up some points, but it’s the start of a long journey. We need to feel better about ourselves”.
