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It’s Friday, and that means that Harry Kane is back training with the Tottenham Hotspur first team, two days before the Premier League season opener against Manchester City. Kane reportedly tested negative for COVID-19 after isolating upon return from his family vacation in the Bahamas (via Florida), which means he can rejoin his (current) teammates.
But will he actually play? That appears to be up to Nuno Espirito Santo, and that’s very much an open question.
Kane will make himself available for selection for game against Man City despite all the associated sub plots. Final decision will be with Nuno, though. Potential fitness and financial risks if Nuno picks him, of course. IMO not as easy as just picking him.
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) August 13, 2021
(Yes, I’m aware that’s a Daily Mail reporter, but Sami Mokbel is one of the good ones.)
So will he play? I find it really, really difficult to imagine it. Not only will he have had a whole two days of training to adapt to Nuno’s tactics which are probably different from what Kane’s used to, but we also know he’s had his head fully turned by City. As Mokbel states, there are HUGE risks to Kane possibly picking up an injury or something in this match, scuppering (or endangering) any potential deal.
I do like Mokbel’s wording, however, that Kane has “made himself available for selection.” How magnanimous of you, Harry.