Harry Kane injury: Tottenham striker in race against time to be fit for Carabao Cup final

The striker missed an important step of his recovery from an ankle surgery with the Wembley final just two days away

Harry Kane injured his ankle in the draw against Everton (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Tottenham striker Harry Kane is in a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Manchester City after he missed training on Friday.

Kane suffered an ankle injury against Everton last Friday and missed the midweek win over Southampton, with interim boss Ryan Mason unsure whether his talisman will be fit.

Mason said it will be a combined decision on whether Kane is selected and that the England captain will not risk his longer-term fitness.

“Harry is a top professional. We’re taking it hour by hour, seeing how he feels,” he said. “What we are not going to do and what Harry is not going to do is put his body on the line if he does not think it is suitable.

“We are never going to put Harry in that position, absolutely not. We will see how he is tomorrow and we can make a decision from there.

“It is combined effort. How does the player feel, what do the medics say.”

Kane has a habit of rushing back from injuries, notably for the Champions League final in 2019 where he was well off the pace against Liverpool.

This ankle problem is nowhere near as serious but Mason said Kane will not be risked if it could inflict further damage.

“I think it was completely different, because Harry had a very long time out injured before the Champions League final,” Mason added.

“Like I say, I don’t know if Harry is going to be available for training tomorrow, let alone the game on Sunday. But, if he is, then it’s a quick turnaround. A week without training is not a problem for someone in Harry’s condition.

“But I think we are going to have to assess it later tonight, early on tomorrow morning, and see if we can get him onto the pitch.

“Harry is a top professional. We’re taking it hour by hour, seeing how he feels. What we are not going to do and what Harry is not going to do is put his body on the line if he does not think it is suitable.

“We are never going to put Harry in that position, absolutely not. We will see how he is tomorrow and we can make a decision from there.

“It is combined effort. How does the player feel, what do the medics say? What’s the advice, what are the chances of something happening?

“Harry’s a mature man, a mature professional footballer. He’s dealt with certain situations. Ultimately, we’ll speak to him - ‘how do you feel?’ - and go from there.”

PA