‘Difficult’ for Kane to play for Spurs again this season, says Pochettino

The England captain, who suffered a “significant lateral ligament” injury in the 1-0 victory on Tuesday, is susceptible to ankle damage — this is his fifth ankle injury since 2016 and the second to his left joint this year.

“He was so upset after the game, it was a difficult moment for him,” Tottenham boss Pochettino said ahead of his side’s home match against already relegated Huddersfield on Saturday.

“We feel so disappointed and it was difficult to accept the situation,” he added.

“He is now much better, he had the scan yesterday and he needs to see the specialist next week. He is in a good place because he is a positive guy.

“It is a little bit sad but he is looking forward to recovering as soon as possible.”

When asked if he believes Kane could return this season, Pochettino said: “We’ll see, there is five weeks, it is going to be difficult.

“Next week we are going to see with the specialist. We are going to do everything to recover him as soon as possible but there is only five weeks of the season to recover.”

Surgeon Mark Davies, a leading specialist at the London Foot and Ankle Centre, who has operated on Premier League footballers, said Kane may have to consider surgery on his injured ankle.

“At some point I think they would think about doing something surgically to stabilise the ligament,” Davies told Britain’s Press Association.

“He’s not that old, he could do with a stable ankle if he wants to carry on playing long term without it happening again,” he added.

Spurs midfielder Dele Alli also fractured his left hand during Tuesday’s match.

Pochettino is hopeful Alli will be fit for the second leg, but admits the England international is unlikely to face Huddersfield.

“We need to assess him this afternoon and I am not too optimistic,” Pochettino said.

“It is very painful. He broke his hand in two parts. Yesterday he saw the specialist.

“I am more optimistic for him to be available for Manchester City in the second leg.”