Monaco vs Tottenham Hotspur - Lloris: Kane return can be turning point in UEFA CL

Posted Tuesday, November 22, 2016 by PA

Hugo Lloris believes Harry Kane's return can prove the turning point in Tottenham's faltering Champions League campaign.

Spurs play Monaco in France on Tuesday night and realistically must win if they are to avoid an early exit from Group E.

Mauricio Pochettino's men trail Monaco by four points and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen by two, following successive home defeats at Wembley.

Kane, however, could provide the spark Tottenham need. The striker's late double fired his side to their first victory in eight matches against West Ham on Saturday and Lloris believes his return from injury could be pivotal.

"One thing is very important - the return of Kane," Lloris said.

"He is bringing a lot of positive energy as we saw against Arsenal and West Ham. He is a very important player for us. Tomorrow he is going to be decisive hopefully.

"It's simple. He is one of the leaders and (Tuesday) is an important moment for Tottenham this season so we need all our top players at the top level.

"It's our responsibility tomorrow to play at that level."

Kane has only recently come back from a seven-week lay-off with an ankle injury and Pochettino was doubtful last week when asked if the striker could manage three full matches in a week.

Tottenham's pulsating 3-2 win over West Ham kicked off a busy seven days, which continues against Monaco and ends with a crunch trip to Chelsea this weekend.

Pochettino will also make late decisions on Dele Alli, who is still recovering from a knee injury, and Mousa Dembele, who has a niggling foot problem.

"It's clear that (Tuesday) is the most important game," Pochettino said.

"Our selection for (Tuesday) will be if the players that are fit or not, that can play 90 minutes or not.

"We need to assess Harry Kane, Mousa Dembele and Dele Alli, if they can play 90 minutes and don't take any risks that can affect for the next games.

"We have one day less than Monaco to recover because they play Friday, we play Saturday. Today is a very important day to assess and see if the players are fully recovered to play (on Tuesday)."

For Monaco, a draw against Spurs would seal qualification to the last 16 but Leonardo Jardim insists his side will not play for a point.

"Yes a draw is enough but we will play our game (on Tuesday) to win," Jardim said. "We cannot think about a draw because it's dangerous for us."

Midfielder Nabil Dirar has personal issues to resolve and is unavailable but otherwise Jardim has a full squad to select from, including former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao.

Falcao endured a miserable two years in England but is showing signs of a revival at Monaco, where he has seven goals this season and five in his last three matches.

"I think Falcao is a great player," Jardim said. "I won't speak about the last two years in England. The important thing is he is now playing well for Monaco."