Harry Kane has been ruled out Tottenham’s upcoming Champions League round of 16 first leg clash with Borussia Dortmund, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.
Kane, the England forward, has been out of action since last month’s defeat by Manchester United, with an ankle injury picked up during a challenge with Phil Jones.
Early estimations had Kane ruled out until early March, though hopes of an early return were heightened last week when the 25-year-old shared a video of him working out on social media.
Some suggestions pegged Kane for a return in the north London derby on March 2, but Pochettino has revealed he is in line to be back on the pitch before that.
However, this weekend’s visit of Leicester comes too soon for Kane, while he will also miss out when Spurs resume their European campaign at home to Borussia Dortmund.
“He’s doing well – fantastic,” Pochettino said of Kane. “You know him well, we need to stop everyday because he wants to be ahead of his recovery.
“He’s very optimistic and his determination to play as soon as possible is unbelievable.
“He’s doing well. He’s nearly ready to play but we need to be realistic too and in between all the areas to take the best decision.
“I think he’s so close to come back. Not for Sunday or Wednesday, but we will see after.”
When pressed on whether the trip to Burnley on February 23 could see Kane return, Pochettino responded: “Maybe, maybe.”
Tottenham return to Champions League action on Wednesday with Bundesliga leaders Dortmund visiting Wembley in the first leg of their round of 16 clash.
Spurs last met Dortmund in last season’s Champions League group stage and triumphed in both matches, claiming a 3-1 win at their temporary home before securing a 2-1 defeat of their German opponents at the Westfalenstadion.