Tottenham's Kane Blows Out an Ankle, Gone until March
Spurs lost more than three home points in their 0-1 defeat by Manchester United this past weekend.
It could scale up to a hella lotta more.
When Harry Kane was literally covered like a blanket by United's Phil Jones while chasing down a corner in the game's late stages, it didn't look good.
In fact, it wasn't. The left ankle didn't take Jones's piling on too well.
Incredibly, no one really noticed it at the time ... except Kane. And he wasn't raising a hand on himself in a match between two clubs jostling for position at the Premiership's peak.
After the incident, dude simply upped his adrenaline output and kept going all the way to the end.
Who woulda known?
It became more apparent something was wrong as Kane left the pitch, though. Dude was limping noticeably.
Clearly, Spurs' medical staff saw he needed more attention than they could provide.
The suspicion of strained ligaments was confirmed. Kane's looking at 6-8 weeks of rest and rehab.
It's an understatement to say this is all Tottenham needed. South Korean international Heung-min Son is committed to his nation's side in the Asian Games, being held in the United Arab Emirates.
This means Spurs' depth is gonna be tested, big time. The first two up thus have an opportunity to raise their stock:
- Lucas Moura will probably move from midfield to striker. The Brazilian's coming off a knee injury but will be game to show what he can do up front.
- Fernando Llorente is now 33 and has got to be thinking 2019 is his year at last. The Spaniard was surprised at Barcelona's interest in him, and now Spurs need to make a decision.
Tottenham's projecting Kane to miss ten games, including:
- Chelsea in the League Cup on Thu 24 Jan,
- Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wed 13 Feb, and
- Chelsea again, this time in a Premiership match on Wed 27 Feb.
Spurs could have a challenge ahead staying in the top four:
Kane could really use something to get him back on the pitch more quickly.
Suggestions welcome.