Harry Kane Rumoured to Return in 4-6 Weeks from Ankle Injury

Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane could be back in action in three weeks, according to his manager Mauricio Pochettino, despite initial reports he could miss six weeks of football.

Kane was replaced during the 6-0 FA Cup win against Millwall at White Hart Lane last weekend with what looked to be a serious issue, and Spurs later confirmed he'd suffered ankle ligament damage. Pochettino gave an update on the injury on Friday, per Dan Kilpatrick of ESPN FC:

Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports had earlier reported that the forward could be back "within four to six weeks."

"Tottenham are not putting a time-frame on the striker's return but believe the injury is not as serious as a similar knock that kept him out for eight weeks earlier this season and expect him to return in a shorter period," Thomas continued.

It’s also noted that Bournemouth visit White Hart Lane on April 15, the first fixture for which the reported recovery period could see Kane return.

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The news will come as something of a boost to those tied to the north London club, who would have feared the worst when Kane went over awkwardly on his ankle at the weekend.

However, he looks set to play a part in what promises to be a fascinating end to the season for Spurs. Not only will the club play out their final few games at White Hart Lane, they're in a battle to finish in the UEFA Champions League spots in the Premier League. Tottenham also have an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium towards the end of April.

Having a player of Kane's calibre back for that occasion would be a huge lift to Spurs. This graphic from STATS (h/t CNN Football) sums up just how important he is to the team:

Indeed, the striker is the Premier League's joint-top goalscorer with Everton man Romelu Lukaku, having struck 19 times in the top flight so far this season.

Kane's blend of physicality, intelligence and ruthless finishing makes him such a threat for defenders. The England international is capable of scoring many different types of goals.

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In the meantime, Spurs do have alternatives, with Heung-Min Son showcasing his goalscoring potency against Millwall after Kane was taken off, grabbing a hat-trick in the 6-0 win; Vincent Janssen also got on the scoresheet that day for the first time in open play for the north Londoners. 

But if Spurs are going to apply pressure to Chelsea and potentially get their hands on silverware this term, having Kane back is vital.