Three Tottenham players who must step up during Harry Kane’s absence

Tottenham endure the same adversity every year at almost identical times, with Harry Kane once again sidelined after suffering ankle injuries in loss to Reds.

Losing Kane to injury is nothing new for Tottenham, who have now seen their most prized asset sidelined six times with ankle injuries of varying severity. For now, let’s hold off arguing about what effect this injury might have on Kane’s long-term future.

It is yet unknown how long Kane will be sidelined for. Jose Mourinho said his talisman will be out for “a few weeks.” This, like in years past, is usually when pundits doom Tottenham to sink for the rest of the campaign like a lead balloon.

And in previous years, thanks to a heavy over reliance on Kane, that, for the most part, is exactly what happened. But Jose Mourinho is hoping this season, thanks to recent acquisitions, will be different.

Carlos Vinicius, Gareth Bale and Steven Bergwijn were all purchased to contribute offensively, to help Tottenham become a more balanced attacking side. While that plan hasn’t panned out the way Mourinho envisioned, an opportunity has yet again presented itself to Tottenham’s recently anointed supporting cast.

It’s now or never for Gareth Bale

A fringe player on the outside looking in, Bale hasn’t contributed to Tottenham the way anyone expected since returning to the club. Surely now he will be presented the opportunity to prove his worth. And if he’s not handed more starts, one has to wonder why he was brought back to N17 at all.

Mourinho, even if he wasn’t in favour of signing the legendary Welshman, must at least provide Bale with an opportunity to flourish. Coming on with 10 minutes to play when the result has already been determined isn’t a fair evaluation of Bale’s ability to influence a football match.

Get Gareth in the starting team and let him create his own narrative. At least, if he fails to contribute from the start of Premier League matches, we’ll have closure on Bale’s second stint in north London. Who knows. He might actually surprise us and reinvent the wheel, reminding Spurs supporters of the unforgettable glory he once brought to this football club.

Vinicius’ time to shine in the Premier League

Vinicius, in the Europa League and FA Cup, has shown glimpses of prestigious quality. He’s scored some excellent goals, albeit against mostly inferior opponents. But Kane’s absence should now give him a chance to prove he’s good enough to start up front in the top flight.

Mourinho, due to his rather tentative nature, probably won’t start Vinicius and Bale together. He’ll most likely pick one or the other to play in Kane’s stead.

Steven Bergwijn’s goal contribution

While the Dutchman has played an incredibly specific role under Mourinho at Tottenham, he simply hasn’t scored enough goals. Kane’s absence won’t at all alter Bergwijn’s position on the pitch, but it will put more of an onus on the 23-year-old to score.

He often finds himself in great scoring positions after quick, intelligent runs just to have his finishing touch let him down. Without Kane’s goals, Bergwijn’s wastefulness is a luxury Tottenham can no longer afford.