Harry Kane is ‘really, REALLY tired’ after playing every match, says Tottenham boss Antonio Conte

Harry Kane is ‘really, really tired’ after playing EVERY match so far this season, says Antonio Conte… but Tottenham’s Italian boss STILL started the England captain in their 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat by Nottingham Forest

  • Harry Kane played an hour of Tottenham’s EFL Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest 
  • Antonio Conte revealed after the game that his star striker was feeling fatigued
  • The Italian though claimed he had no other options to start in Spurs’ attack 

Antonio Conte revealed that Harry Kane is suffering from severe fatigue just over a week before he flies out to lead England at the World Cup.

Despite his reported tiredness, the Spurs boss still elected to start the striker in his side’s meek 2-0 surrender at Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Kane though could not prevent slumping to yet another poor performance before he was withdrawn after an hour of the third round clash at the City Ground.

Harry Kane couldn’t prevent Tottenham from losing at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday

Conte though stood by his decision to start the England captain though, insisting he had no other fit strikers to take his place. 

‘With Harry, until this morning we waited to see if he could start or not,’ the Italian said.

‘But in this situation he was the only striker for us. For this reason I can only say thanks for the availability they show me.

The striker was substituted by manager Antonio Conte just short of the hour mark

The striker was substituted by manager Antonio Conte just short of the hour mark

‘It was a problem of tiredness. Really, really tired and yesterday we had a soft training session and at one point he stopped himself to recover energy.

‘But he’s okay, it’s only fatigue but it’s normal because Harry played every game. When you have a player like him it’s difficult to decide you don’t play with him.

‘Other players maybe they could tell me, “I’m tired and don’t want to play and help the team”. I have a group of players who are men and good players because of this.

‘Another could be selfish and think for himself because in one week they have to play the World Cup. Instead, Harry Kane showed to be a really good man.

‘Today it was really difficult if Kane told me, “maybe it’s better I don’t start today because I risk a lot to have an injury”.

Kane applauds supporters after Tottenham's 2-0 defeat as they exited the Carabao Cup

Kane applauds supporters after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat as they exited the Carabao Cup

‘But I repeat, it’s normal, what’s happening in this period.’

Given Tottenham’s gruelling schedule it is little surprise they were outplayed by Forest, who made light of their position at the bottom of the Premier League.

Renan Lodi fired the home side into the lead in the 50th minute before Jesse Lingard doubled the advantage seven minutes later. Orel Mangala was sent off with 15 minutes remaining but the hosts comfortably held on.



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