Tottenham will have to make do without Hugo Lloris for between six to eight weeks after the goalkeeper picked up a knee injury in last Sunday's win over Manchester City. Sustaining ligament damage following a challenge late on in the contest, the World Cup winner does not require surgery but he could be in the treatment room until the start of April if it is to be the worst case scenario.
That means second-choice goalkeeper Fraser Forster will move up the pecking order and take his place between the sticks . Some fans have called for the former England international to be given his chance in net after some recent high-profile blunders from Lloris, with the knee injury now handing Forster the opportunity that he has craved.
Lloris' absence until potentially the start of April will also force Antonio Conte into another alteration as he no longer has his captain available for selection. That honour will instead fall upon Harry Kane, who has worn the captain's armband for the Lilywhites on multiple occasions in the past.
READ MORE: Daniel Levy makes Tottenham transfer claim and reveals why his manager dream is 'very difficult'
Really stepping up for Tottenham this season after contributing 19 goals in 30 games, including the winner against Man City which saw him overtake Jimmy Greaves to become the club's all-time top goalscorer, Kane will replicate the role that he has on England international duty. One of Tottenham's leaders on the pitch anyway regardless of wearing the armband or not, the 29-year-old will now lead his team out as they try to negotiate a key period in the campaign.
It is also a vital one for the player himself as he is now in the final 18 months of his contract and his future will continue to be a big talking point until he inks a new contract in N17. Currently one point behind Newcastle United in the race for the top four having played one game more, Tottenham can build on their recent momentum and really up the pressure on the Magpies and Manchester United as they bid to secure another top-four finish.
Kane will also captain Tottenham in the Champions League, with the first leg of their Round of 16 tie against AC Milan coming next Tuesday evening at the San Siro. Although Lloris will be back to take on the responsibility in the quarter-finals if Spurs do progress and he has no setbacks in his recovery, it will be on the striker's shoulders to try and lead the team through to the last eight.
Tottenham also have the FA Cup on the agenda come the start of March as they face a tricky away tie away at Championship high-flyers Sheffield United. Lloris could in fact be available for the quarter-finals on the weekend of Saturday, March 18 if Spurs do progress as that would be six weeks since picking up the knee injury, although Conte could quite easily keep faith with Forster, who has played in the first two rounds of the cup, once the Frenchman is available once again.
Tottenham have a crucial period coming up and Kane has a major role to play in terms of leading the team and also ensuring that he carries on contributing in the final third on a regular basis. If he can do that and the team continue to progress in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup then that in turn may well increase the chances of him remaining at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beyond his current contract that expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Kane inheriting the captain's armband will also mean that the striker will need replacing as the vice captain for the time being. Eric Dier will be the favourite to take on the role, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg another perhaps in the running given his leadership qualities and what he brings to the Tottenham team.
Potentially a defining period in Tottenham's season with silverware and a Champions League place up for grabs, Kane will be doing all he can to lead his teammates to glory. Leading by example week in, week out on the pitch, the striker's leadership qualities will be there for all to see as they bid to maintain their recent good form and finish the season as strongly as they did 12 months ago.
READ NEXT:
Antonio Conte and Tottenham dealt major Hugo Lloris injury blow
The 9 games Hugo Lloris could miss for Tottenham as Antonio Conte dealt Champions League dilemma
Daniel Levy makes Tottenham transfer claim and reveals why his manager dream is 'very difficult'
Tottenham to miss out on £42.5m sponsorship deal as South Africa agreement scrapped
Tottenham's next five fixtures compared to Arsenal, Man United and Newcastle in top four race
