Tottenham are a better team with Harry Kane but they shouldn’t rush England striker back for North London derby
Young forward could return earlier than expected from injury but it might be best to leave him a couple more weeks
SO Tottenham could welcome back Harry Kane from injury in next month’s North London derby.
But if I was them, I would leave his return a couple of weeks.
And before any Spurs fans start, no I am not a Gooner!
I just think giving him more rest could be better for the striker and his club in the long term.
I know Tottenham and Kane are both desperate for him to get back playing again as soon as possible after he damaged his ankle ligaments in the 1-0 win over Sunderland on September 18.
And they received a huge boost last week when the results of the latest scan of the injury came back “better than expected.”
That has raised hopes around White Hart Lane that their star striker could be recalled for their clash at bitter rivals Arsenal on November 6.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino would obviously love to select his strongest side for the Emirates clash – and that would undoubtedly include a fully fit again Kane.
But what would be the point of rushing their local hero back into action in a vicious derby where his recovering ankle would be tested to the limit?
Especially as if Kane plays for Tottenham at the Gunners in the last weekend before the international break he will almost certainly be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad to play Scotland and Spain the following week.
And if Arsenal’s defenders do not go in hard on Kane’s ankle, you can rest assured the Scotland ones will.
So it makes more sense for Spurs to delay his return and let him watch the Three Lions on TV so he can return as fresh as a daisy for the rest of the season, starting with the visit of West Ham on November 19.
Kane deserves a rest after running himself in the ground for both club and country since bursting on to the scene two years ago.
But this injury, the first real bad one of his pro career, has reminded us that despite his meteoric rise, he is not Superman.
He deserves, nay needs a breather and now is the perfect time for him to have one.
Tottenham are, of course, a better team with Kane in it.
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But they showed against Manchester City on Sunday they can cope without him.
Kane, who is due to become a dad for the first time in the New Year, has a busy few months ahead of him on and off the field.
Holding him back for a couple of more weeks would not hurt.
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