Tottenham Hotspur vs Watford - Harry Kane could return to Tottenham line-up
Posted Saturday, April 08, 2017 by PA
Mauricio Pochettino has declared a fit-again Harry Kane ready to attack Tottenham's run-in, with the England striker in line to return against Watford.
Kane has recovered from his ankle injury ahead of schedule and could even start Spurs' White Hart Lane clash with the Hornets on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has missed the last three matches but is back in full training, delighting boss Pochettino.
Kane has already hit 19 league goals this term, with Pochettino admitting his fitness will boost second-placed Tottenham's fight to catch runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea.
"Harry's had a few sessions before, and today he was involved with the team," Pochettino said. "And we'll see tomorrow whether he will start the game or be on the bench. But it's good news that he's ready. He feels good about his recovery.
"It's very good news for him and for us. He's an important player for us, and for him to be available for us is great.
"We do need to decide tomorrow if he will be in the starting XI or on the bench. But the good news is he's back. And he's our main striker.
"What Harry means for the team is a massive boost for us and it's fantastic news.
"He's always desperate to play, he's always pushing you to try to let him train, play, and score goals. His character is unbelievable."
Pochettino insisted he has no fears about third-choice goalkeeper Pau Lopez's potential debut.
Spurs will hand Hugo Lloris every chance to shake off a virus, while Michel Vorm is also battling a knee issue.
But Pochettino backed the 22-year-old Espanyol loanee Lopez to be ready for first-team action.
"Pau Lopez is very young but he's here because we believe in and trust in him," the Argentinian added.
"If Hugo or Michel are not ready he's a keeper that can cope with the pressure of playing."
Walter Mazzarri is confident next season will see the best of his Watford squad.
The Italian is facing up to yet another injury crisis ahead of Saturday's trip to second-placed Tottenham.
The Hornets are set to be without former Spurs centre-back Younes Kaboul and Swiss defender Sebastian Prodl, while Miguel Britos is suspended.
It is a situation Mazzarri has needed to deal with on all too regular a basis in his first campaign at the helm since replacing Quique Sanchez Flores.
Despite continued selection issues, the former Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan boss has been able to oversee a recent improvement in form with back-to-back wins which ended a run of three defeats from the previous four matches.
Watford are currently in 10th place with 37 points and look set to once again secure their top-flight status.
Mazzarri believes everyone at Vicarage Road should then start to look up the table.
"My experience is that the first year is more difficult and the second is easier," the Hornets boss told a press conference.
"The squad know your philosophy and the players who come after that will have an advantage, because players will be able to help them."
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