Tottenham cannot rely on injured returnees to save season

There’s a strong possibility Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min could return for the final few matches, but Tottenham cannot rely on the superstar pair to save their season. 

Kane’s recovery is going well, with Spurs’ talisman already participating in some on-field training. But we’ve been here before and all know what can happen when you rush important players back from long-term injuries.

Additionally, if Spurs aren’t careful, they’re in danger of having their fate sealed on all fronts before the final month of the campaign. If Spurs don’t perform well in the next few weeks, Kane and Son’s early return will be rendered meaningless.

Now five points adrift of Chelsea for fourth place and on the verge of going out in the Champions League, Tottenham cannot afford to continue on the same downward trajectory. A headline in Football.London’s recent piece asks the question of whether “Spurs’ key man can get back in time to save the season?”

Taking into consideration Spurs recent form, the answer is an unequivocal no. But even if Spurs have everything to play for in the dying embers of the campaign, should Jose Mourinho’s men be relying on Kane and Son to ride in on their noble steeds and save the campaign?

Of course both players have that rare type of heroism quality. They can both re-enter the fray after long spells on the sideline and lift the club to eminent heights, even in the short term. But relying on two players coming back from serious injuries to save your season is an illogical game. It not only puts unfair, undo pressure on the two talisman to expedite their recoveries, it also sends a negative message to the rest of the squad.

Holding on for dear life and waiting with bated breath for Kane and Son’s expedited return is not a viable strategy. And pressuring top players to return from injury quickly rarely comes off without a hitch.

It takes time to regain match fitness and get up to speed with the fervour and explosiveness of the Premier League, especially after suffering a torn hamstring. It usually takes just as long or longer to overcome the psychological challenges that accompany an injury of that severity.

Hoping for Kane and Son to swoop in and save the day at the death isn’t a viable solution for Spurs. Their early return should be seen as a massive bonus and nothing more. But the benefits of that bonus will be completely nullified if Spurs don’t start handling the business directly in front of them.