Danny Murphy has warned Tottenham not to put Harry Kane ‘at risk’ by rushing him back to fitness.
The striker has missed Spurs’ last five games after suffering ankle ligament damage during the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on January 13.
He was originally ruled out until March but, after a week of rehab and light training in the Bahamas, it has been suggested Kane could be back in action sooner than first thought.
talkSPORT understands the England captain is planning to make his comeback in Tottenham’s Champions League last-16 clash against Borussia Dortmund on February 13.
However, Murphy believes the club should be patient with their top scorer.
“The observation I’ve always made with Harry when he comes back from injuries is it takes him a white to get his rhythm back,” the former midfielder told talkSPORT host Jim White.
“The big shame for him and Spurs was just before he got injured he looked super sharp. He looked really fit and strong and hungry – the best I’d see him in a while.
“There are all sorts of formulas they use to tell you how long you should be back in training, and back in competitive games.
“I’m not sure you can put numbers on that, I think it’s down to the individual.
“But the last thing they want to do is put him at any risk.”