Spurs were given a scare late in their Europa League victory over Dinamo Zagreb, but the Portuguese believes he’ll be fit for the north London derby.
Spurs were lifted by Harry Kane’s double in their 2-0 Europa League victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, with Jose Mourinho dismissing any worries that he will be unavailable to face Arsenal.
Kane sustained a knee injury near the end of the game, but Mourinho said it wasn’t “anything drastic” ahead of the critical north London derby on Sunday.
Spurs captain Hugo Lloris, meanwhile, praised the England striker’s results, maintaining that he is motivating the squad despite the team’s ups and downs this season.
What has Mourinho said?
Mourinho told BT Sport, “[Kane] is doing something.” “He is scoring goals, working as part of a team to create room and connection play, and doing the extra defensive work that few strikers do.
“He is very helpful to us. From crosses and corners, he has a staggering amount of clearances. We couldn’t be more pleased.
“[The knee problem] isn’t a major concern for me. Sunday is a match that everybody wants to play in, and he will not be deterred by small setbacks. It doesn’t seem to be something serious to me.”
What has Lloris said?
“He (Kane) is just enjoying his football,” Lloris told BT Sport . “As we can see he attracts the ball. [Erik] Lamela did an amazing job [to open things up for] the first goal and Harry was there at the right time to score. His second gives some relief to the team before the second leg.
“We had some ups and downs in the season but we come into an important period now and it is good to feel the players are ready to help the team. If we work well as a team we will give our talent more power to make the difference.”
The bigger picture
Tottenham will field a resurgent attack against Arsenal on Sunday, and their comfortable Europa League victory will give them hope as they aim for a major win over their north London rivals.
Mourinho was able to start in-form Gareth Bale and Lucas Moura on the bench against Zagreb, maintaining their energy levels for the Emirates Stadium clash on Sunday.
The result of that match may be critical, as both teams are competing for European football in 2021-22, and a victory for Spurs will hold them in contention for a top-four finish.
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