SpursgivingKaneeverychance of shock return against Chelsea

TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino has refused to rule Harry Kane out of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Chelsea.

The striker suffered ankle ligament damage before the international break and Spurs said he would not be ready to return to training until April.

They confirmed yesterday that Kane had “stepped up his rehabilitation” and Pochettino will give him every chance.

“We need to assess him. He is positive and is doing well. Every day he is improving,” Pochettino said. “We need to assess him over the next few days. It’s difficult to say yes or no. I cannot say no, but I cannot say yes.

“Maybe next weekend. But the most important (thing) is that we are positive about his recovery.

“Everybody believed it would be a long period out, but the resolution has been fantastic.”

Spurs could do with their 31goal striker being fit as they head across London hoping to take a significant step towards Champions League qualification, while also ending a 28-year hoodoo at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino, who ranks Spurs’ rivalry with Chelsea on a par with Arsenal, does not think it is a winner-takes-all game.

“It’s always a massive game, it’s a London derby,” he said. “It will be a massive game for both teams. When you play this type of game, the pressure is for both.

“There are still a lot of games to play, this is not a final, this is not a decisive game, but it is important for your confidence, your motivation. To win in Chelsea would be fantastic for everyone.

“I think to compare with Arsenal, it is similar in everything.”

On his side’s dismal record at Chelsea, Pochettino added: “It is not a point to be focused on for us. We must be focused on the win and the performance.”