‘It backfired’ – Exclusive: Bent makes Kane claim after Spurs training ground reveal
Darren Bent claims that Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho will not have any “doubts or worries” about throwing Harry Kane straight back into the starting XI against Manchester United.
The former Spurs and England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes playing the 25-year-old will not backfire like it did for Mauricio Pochettino in last season’s Champions League final.
Speaking to the Guardian, Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that the striker “looks fully fit, top fit” after his injury layoff and claims fans will see the “old Kane again”.
Kane has not played since rupturing a thigh muscle on New Year’s Day, with the Lilywhites’ hitman forced to undergo surgery.
However, with Spurs set to resume their Premier League season on Friday versus Manchester United, Bent believes Kane will be thrown back into the thick of it.
Asked if he thought Mourinho would throw the striker straight into the starting XI, Bent told Football Insider: “It’s a difficult one because we saw what happened in the Champions League final, they threw him straight back in, he quite clearly wasn’t fit and it backfired.
“Listen, I understand everyone’s had a long layoff and that’s what Mourinho might think: ‘I can throw him straight in, it’s not like he’s been injured and everyone else has continued so everyone’s up to speed, he’s going to be going back into a situation where everyone’s in the same boat.’
“You might as well say everyone’s been injured because they’ve all been off for three months. I think in this type of situation, I don’t think he’ll have too many doubt or worries about throwing Harry Kane back in.”
Kane has scored 17 goals in 25 appearances for Spurs this season, with 11 of his strikes coming in the Premier League.
Mourinho also has the likes of Heung-min Son and Moussa Sissoko back from injury ahead of Friday’s game.
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