Following Tottenham Hotspur’s disappointing 1-0 Premier League loss to West Ham United on Saturday, Mauricio Pochettino tried to maintain an upbeat attitude in his post-match press conference.
The Spurs manager had hoped his side could sweep away their London neighbours before their massive Champions League semi-final first leg against Ajax on Tuesday, but the Lilywhites failed to break through the Hammers defence.
After the match, Pochettino dropped a major injury hint that would enhance Tottenham’s chances of European glory: if Spurs make it to the final on June 1, then star striker Harry Kane may be fit.
“If you said to me he is going to be available for the second leg in Ajax or the last game against Everton, I don’t know. For sure it is going to be difficult,” Pochettino told football.london.
“If we are capable to beat Ajax and be in the final in June 1 then maybe yes. Yesterday we were talking about that, we’ll see.”
The news will come as a massive boost to Spurs, who will be delighted at the opportunity to welcome Kane back before the end of the season.
The club’s talisman is vital to Spurs’ attack, and his absence has clearly been felt since his injury in the first leg of their quarter-final against Manchester City.
The prospect of Kane returning to action is ideal motivation for Tottenham to make it to the Champions League final, and the squad must be raring to go after hearing Pochettino’s hopeful comments.
The England captain was initially expected to miss the rest of the season after damaging ankle ligaments for the second time this season.