Antonio Conte asked whether Harry Kane had injury problem last night
Harry Kane may have started Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup tie with Nottingham Forest last night, but the 29-year-old was substituted around the hour mark, prompting questions about the England captain’s fitness.
Spurs were expected to rest key players for the cup game, but injuries throughout the squad and an inconsistent run of form forced Antonio Conte’s hand and the Italian went with a strong, albeit tired starting line-up.
The game was Harry Kane’s 21st consecutive start for the Lilywhites (Transfermarkt) and it was clear to see the player was struggling with fatigue. Kane could barely get involved in the game and had little to no impact before being replaced by Bryan Gil in the 59th minute.
With the World Cup just around the corner, and one more league game to come at the weekend, both England and Spurs fans will have been a little concerned at seeing Kane leave the field. Conte however has alleviated any fitness concerns regarding his star striker.
Speaking to Football.London after the game, Conte stated Kane was simply very tired, and had no injury issues.
Conte said: “No, it was a problem of tiredness. Really, really tired and yesterday we had a soft training session and at one point he stopped himself to recover energy.
“But he’s okay, it’s only fatigue but it’s normal because Harry played every game. When you have a player like him it’s difficult to decide you don’t play with him.
“When you have a player like him it’s really difficult to decide you don’t play with him. In this situation, also if I wanted to start with another player it was impossible because of injuries to Richarlison, Kulu and Lucas Moura, from the start of the season.
“Today honestly it was really difficult if Kane told me ‘coach maybe it’s better I don’t start today because I risk a lot to have an injury’. But I repeat it’s normal.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Harry Kane looked a shadow of the player we have become accustomed to, and last night was clear evidence that he needs a proper rest. He’s got the World Cup coming up at the end of the month, so Conte should bench him for the Leeds game at the weekend to allow him some time to recharge.
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