PREM: Tottenham v Southampton preview

Tottenham v Southampton preview

Tottenham will be without Harry Kane for the visit of Southampton as the striker recovers from an ankle injury.

Kane feels optimistic about his ankle injury and has joked about returning in less than a month, according to Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Southampton are currently firmly in mid-table, and have been inconsistent of late, losing three and winning three of their last six.

 

Kyle Walker twisted his ankle on a day off at home on Monday, while Danny Rose is still recovering from a knee problem.

Pochettino would not divulge the cause of Walker's injury but said the defender had not trained this week and will have to be assessed. He is unlikely, however, to withdraw from the England squad.

Victor Wanyama is also struggling after enduring a "minor problem" against Millwall but Mousa Dembele, who missed the match with an ankle injury, is available. Erik Lamela remains sidelined with a hip injury.

Kane's absence, however, is the biggest concern for Pochettino, given Tottenham endured their worst period of the season while the 23-year-old was out in September and October.

Vincent Janssen and Son Heung-min will be charged with filling the void.

Southampton boss Claude Puel will choose from an unchanged squad at Tottenham.

Striker Charlie Austin is close to resuming training after a shoulder injury and defender Jeremy Pied is also making good progress after a knee operation and could train next week.

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, full-back Matt Targett and centre-half Virgil van Dijk are still out injured.