Tottenham fans were given a scare on Wednesday afternoon following reports that Harry Kane was missing from their training session at Hotspur Way due to illness. Plundering goals for fun this campaign after netting 19 in 32 games in all competitions, it was the last thing supporters needed to hear ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown against Chelsea.
Such a key player for the Lilywhites, with his goals and assists proving crucial to their top-four aspirations, many were left fearful ahead of the weekend clash, with Spurs really struggling against the Blues in recent years. Amid those concerns over Kane heading into such an important fixture, the England captain did in fact train at their Enfield training base on Wednesday morning but he did not train in the afternoon.
The reason for this is because the Tottenham coaching staff are currently managing his workload after his recent illness. Speaking after Tottenham's 1-0 win over Fulham in January, Spurs boss Antonio Conte told the media that Kane, who equalled Jimmy Greaves' all-time goal record in the game at Craven Cottage, had actually played the game with a fever.
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"Yeah but today he was amazing. I think he scored a fantastic goal, the execution to control the ball, then to kick it in that way, only a world-class striker can score this type of goal," outlined the Italian.
"About the spirit that I spoke before, I want to underline Harry today played with a fever and he was not so good but he wanted to play because he understood the moment. He understood that he is a point of reference for us, for me, for the other players.
"I think with Hugo, they are the two players who are a point of reference for the dressing room. Today I am really happy because I think he was rewarded with a goal."
Following his exploits in west London, Kane was absent from training during the week but he did take his place on the training pitch the day before their FA Cup fourth round tie away at Preston North End.
"We have only one problem, with Harry [Kane], because he played the last game full of illness," said assistant head coach Cristian Stellini in his pre-match press conference. "He didn’t train during the week, he trained this morning, but he wants to come with us and be available. We know very well that Harry wants to play every game, so we are happy that Harry is involved in the game, but the only situation we have to take care is this."
Making the squad at Deepdale but not featuring, Kane has started the team's last four games, notably scoring in the 1-0 win over Man City as he became Tottenham's all-time top scorer. He will be out to add to his tally of 267 goals when Graham Potter's out-of-form Chelsea side travel across the capital to N17 on Sunday lunchtime.
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