Tottenham Hotspur morale boosted by best-case scenario

Tottenham’s collective mood will be boosted by the early return of Harry Kane, who is expected to return to action next week. 

Jose Mourinho confirmed that his most valuable player will either feature midweek against Everton or in the following match against Manchester City on the weekend. News of his early return couldn’t come at a better time, with Spurs reeling after suffering three losses on the bounce.

It’s not just the losing skid causing a heightened sense of uneasiness not felt since just prior to Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal, but the listless way in which Spurs are acquitting themselves.

Kane’s return — even though Tottenham weren’t immune to botheration with their talisman in the lineup — will offer hope and direction to a team in dire need of both. While only missing two matches since injuring both ankles against Liverpool, it’s clear Tottenham haven’t resolved their over reliance on England’s captain. No team in the Premier League relies on one player more, a fundamental flaw that has plagued Tottenham for a half a decade.

But at least his return is imminent.

One hopes Kane isn’t returning too early from this brief layoff, as any subsequent injury would be a devastating blow to both player and team.

Mourinho, after a rash of recent poor decisions, has another big one to make: Does Kane get the nod if he’s fit and raring to go in time for Spurs’ fifth round FA Cup match against Everton?

Or does he rest his most prized possession, having the Englishman instead return for a pivotal match against City?

Under usual circumstances, you’d think it’s a no-brainer. Rest him for City, giving Tottenham a sliver of hope against the league’s frontrunners. Securing a top four spot in the Premier League should in theory supersede all other pursuits.

But knowing Mourinho and his desire to bring silverware to N17, he may decide to utilize his joint-top goalscorer in an attempt to keep his FA Cup dream alive.

Tottenham, taking into consideration City’s current unstoppable form, won’t be expected to take anything from the match. Though we beat City earlier in the campaign, Mourinho might deem it wiser to prioritize the FA Cup.

And there is some merit to that logic. While Kane won’t want to miss either match, he’ll probably prefer to suit up against the league leaders on the weekend.

Either way, expect Kane to feature in one or the other, not both. It would be unnecessarily risky to have Kane play two games in short succession after returning from recurring injuries on vulnerable ankles.

Spurs can ill-afford to take any unneeded risks where Kane is concerned. They need him in the lineup not just for his prolific offensive production, but for his leadership qualities and his innate ability to galvanize his beleaguered comrades. The evidence of which reinforced by Tottenham’s two previous scoreless, anemic offensive displays.