Harry Kane is back and other Tottenham talking points ahead of Real Madrid clash in the Champions League

Sport360 staff 20:11 31/10/2017
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  • Tottenham welcome Real Madrid to Wembley on Wednesday night as the Group H favourites clash for the second time in a fortnight.

    Following the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, both sides sit on seven points from their opening three matches with all to play for in north London.

    Here, Press Association Sport looks at the main talking points ahead of the game.

    KANE IS ABLE

    Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday afternoon that he was “very positive” that Harry Kane would be fit for the visit of Real Madrid after missing the loss to Manchester United on Saturday due to a hamstring problem.

    Kane trained with the rest of his team-mates prior to Pochettino speaking to the media and showed no ill-affects of what the club had described last week as a “minor hamstring strain”.

    The England striker has hit 13 goals for Tottenham already this season and is level with Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo as the Champions League’s deadliest marksman this year with five goals in the competition to date.

    While Pochettino is keen to stress his side are not a “Harry Kane team” – as Spurs were labelled by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola – having him back will be seen as key to any long-term success.

    Harry Kane returned to training ahead of Spurs' clash with Madrid.

    Harry Kane returned to training ahead of Spurs’ clash with Madrid.

    WINNERS CLOSE IN ON LAST 16

    A victory for either side under the Wembley arch could secure qualification into the knockout stages – or at least put one foot in the last 16.

    If fellow Group H rivals Borussia Dortmund and Apoel Nicosia draw in Germany, the winners of this heavyweight meeting will be guaranteed to be in the draw on December 11.

    Spurs should not worry if they do suffer defeat but a tricky trip to Dortmund in their next game could mean there is still something riding on the last game at home to Apoel.

    Spurs earned a creditable draw in Madrid, but will want the win on Wednesday.

    Spurs earned a creditable draw in Madrid, but will want the win on Wednesday.

    ALLI’S TIMELY RETURN

    Dele Alli has missed all three of Tottenham’s group games to date after he picked up a red card in their Europa League exit at the hands of Gent last season.

    The England international will be chomping at the bit to make his mark on this year’s competition following Spurs’ miserable Champions League campaign in 2015/16.

    It may give Pochettino a selection headache following Harry Winks’ fine display in Madrid but having Alli at this disposal will be seen as a massive boost.

    Alli and Winks could play together against Madrid.

    Alli and Winks could play together against Madrid.

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