Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte says he came on as a substitute for Harry Kane in Wednesday’s 2-0 League Cup loss to Nottingham Forest due to fatigue, allaying concerns over the player’s possible injury. English captain before the World Cup.
Kane, who was off before the hour mark, has started all 21 games for Spurs this season in all competitions. The 29-year-old also played the full 90 minutes in both of England’s Nations League games in September.
With England due to face Iran in their Group B opener on November 21, an injury to Kane would have been a major setback for Gareth Southgate’s side.
« It was a fatigue problem Conte told reporters. “ Really, really tired and Tuesday we had a soft training and at one point he stopped to recover some energy. But he’s fine, it’s just tired but that’s normal because Harry has played all the games. When you have a player like him, it’s hard to decide that you don’t play with him. »
Conte said Kane was not the kind of player who would step back from his club commitments with the World Cup on the horizon. “ Other players might say to me, “I’m tired and I don’t want to play and help the team.” said Conte, before slipping: “ Another might be selfish and think for themselves because in a week they have to play the World Cup. Instead, Harry Kane has shown himself to be a truly committed man. »
