Mauricio Pochettino will make a late decision on Harry Kane's fitness before Tottenham's Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Kane is hoping to shake off a minor hamstring complaint and Pochettino said on Tuesday that he was “very confident” the striker would feature at Wembley. “We’re very confident. He’s on the list. Maybe it’s possible for him to play but I don’t want to say 100 per cent. He trained today but it is important we make the right decision,” said Pochettino.
Pochettino also spoke about Dele Alli, who missed Tottenham’s first three Champions League games through suspension. Alli travelled with the squad to Madrid last month, a move aimed at making the youngster feel included.
“When a player is not involved, you feel a little bit down,” Pochettino said. “Sometimes he had to stay at the training ground, alone, training. It was not easy for anyone. Maybe he was affected a little bit about that.
“Now we’re so happy with the way he’s doing. His internal motivation is higher now, to try to compete at his best level. We’re very happy with his performances, he’s increasing his level. I’m not worried about him. It’s true, he’s disappointed too that he’s not at his best. But it’s coming, like the winter is coming.”
Erik Lamela is available again following a year-long problem with his hips but Victor Wanyama remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Spurs would qualify for the knockout stages with a win – as would their opponents Real.
Madrid forward Gareth Bale will be missing from the game against his old club after failing to recover from a calf injury. First-choice keeper Keylor Navas and centre-back Raphael Varane remain sidelined.
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