Jose Mourinho
Tottenham ended a run of three straight Premier League defeats with a much-needed victory over West Bromwich Albion last weekend. Tottenham face a crucial couple of weeks as they travel to Everton on Wednesday in the FA Cup, are away to Manchester City on Saturday in the league, face RZ Pellets WAC in the Europa League and face high-flying West Ham in the top flight. And in this vital period, they will need all of their players fit and firing for the challenges ahead.
The 27-year-old striker returned earlier than expected from the ankle injury he suffered against Liverpool on January 28. Mourinho initially said he would be out for a number of weeks but the England captain returned against Sam Allardyce’s side and scored his 208th Tottenham goal, drawing him level alongside Bobby Smith and behind only Jimmy Greaves in Spurs’ all-time scoring list. After the game, the Tottenham boss explained when he knew Kane was okay to play.
Jose Mourinho said: “Yesterday [Saturday]. Yesterday he was training absolutely fine, perfectly normal. Of course a player of his level he has the experience to make his own decision. Can I play, can I be on the bench, can I start the game? He was clear, he was ready to do it and he did the game without any problem.”
Alli has not been a fixture on the Tottenham team this season and a ‘small tendon injury’ saw the 24-year-old miss out on matchday squad vs Chelsea. Speaking ahead of the Chelsea defeat last week, Mourinho said: “In the last few weeks he couldn’t even train, so, that’s the most important thing.”
Ahead of the Everton clash, Jose Mourinho has said: “Dele trained yesterday with the team and well. Long time away, couple of weeks no training with team and recovering. Can he play tomorrow? Well, he’s not injured but I’m not sure he can. Can he help us? I believe he can. In terms of having Dele on the bench to come for a few minutes to try to help the team, is that possible? I have to speak with him but I believe he can.”
Jose Mourinho said: “Serge Aurier left the game [with] a little problem. Can he play tomorrow? I don’t know, I don’t think so but we have a training session later in the afternoon.”
