Tottenham Can Survive Without Harry Kane
Shortly after Harry Kane scored what would be the game-winning goal for Tottenham against Sunderland, he appeared to tweak is ankle in a challenge. Kane remained on the ground even after Spurs started a counter attack that nearly put them up 2-0. Minutes later, the stretcher was brought to the opposite sideline and Kane was carted off the field.
Reports Monday from several English newspapers and ESPNFC suggest the striker could be out for up to two months with grade two ligament damage to his ankle. Generally, grade-two damage results in a partial tear of the outside ankle ligaments. Kane was seen leaving White Hart Lane on crutches after the match and it’s certainly an injury that can take some time to recover from.
Kane has had essentially no break in quite some time with the Euro’s this summer followed immediately by the start of the Premier League. He also usually starts off slow having taken nine matches to score his first league goal last season and four matches this season. However, he has scored two goals in the past three league matches for Spurs this season and is the reigning Premier League Golden Boot winner. So just how do Spurs survive without him?
The luckiest part of the situation is the schedule. At worst, two months would put a return around the middle of November. The remaining September matches are against Gillingham in the EFL Cup, Middlesbrough in the Premier League, and CSKA Moscow in the Champions League. All these matches should be won by Spurs with or without Kane. Starting in October, Tottenham will play Manchester City which the way they’re playing a draw would be lucky with Kane in the lineup. The only other match that presents a challenge that month is Bayer Leverkusen away in the Champions League. The remaining October matches against West Brom, Bournemouth, and Leicester all can be won by Spurs without Kane. The only two matches in the beginning of November are Leverkusen again and Arsenal. I’d like to think Kane returns in time for Arsenal (and scores the game winner.) You’re looking at two to three matches before November 9th that it would be a significant boost to have Kane on the field. So, how does the club win the remaining without him?
For starters, Vincent Janssen has to step it up. Having scored 27 goals in the Eredivisie last year, he is yet to bag one for Spurs in this campaign. However, it’s not for a lack of chances. Janssen had a chance to score on his debut against Everton, but despite one being from about six yards out he couldn’t put it away. The next match against Crystal Palace, Janssen had a one on one with the keeper but poorly put it wide. His hold up play has been better and he works extremely hard off the ball and out of possession, so if he can get his finishing up to par Tottenham could find themselves not losing too much without Kane.
Mauricio Pochettino reportedly said Son wanted to leave this summer but the club denied his request and the winger instead stayed and fought for his place at White Hart Lane. Thankfully so, because he’s been on form as of late, continually threatening in the final third. He bagged a brace in his first Premier League match this year and was essentially the sole attacking threat against AS Monaco on Wednesday. If not for a near goal line clearance, he would’ve scored within minutes. Son generally likes to play on the left side of the midfield but at times as played up top for Spurs. Either way, the form he’s on could not have come at a better time for the club.
Along with Son, Erik Lamela has continued his much improved 2015 season into this campaign. The winger has one goal and two assists in six appearances this season. Although he barely played against Sunderland, he nearly scored the club’s second goal and had a few more dangerous shots saved in his short time on the pitch. With Son and Lamela playing their best football along with Dele and Eriksen always threatening the attack should be able to keep the pressure and scoring up in the next two months.
The final reason Tottenham can survive is simple. You can’t win if you can’t score. Tottenham has arguably the best centre-back pairing in the league with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld and I’d even argue one of the best in Europe. Kyle Walker and Danny Rose (once returned from injury) both have pace as wing-backs and are highly involved in the final third as well. Tottenham have conceded the fewest goals in the league thus far and that’s for a reason. They had a few defensive errors against Monaco that the team paid for, but I see those being fixed quickly.
Pochettino had his club running better than a well-oiled machine last season and they’re reaching those heights again. The schedule is favourable, the midfield is on form, and the defence is solid as always. Not to mention Hugo Lloris has the ability to deny sure goals at will. Hopefully, Kane returns earlier than expected but the club can survive without him. Once he returns, he’ll also have some much-needed rest and should return to his Golden Boot form in no time.