Harry Kane could be set to join Yves Bissouma in missing a Tottenham game through suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards. The Mali international picked up his fifth caution of the season in the defeat to Aston Villa and will therefore miss the clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.
The injury absence of Rodrigo Bentancur will likely mean a recall to the starting XI for Oliver Skipp, who would then partner Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in midfield. However, Antonio Conte could choose to give Pape Matar Sarr his first Premier League start for Spurs after bringing on the Senegalese midfielder with 10 minutes to go on New Year’s Day.
The midfield dilemma is not the only problem Conte is faced with though, as his star striker Kane is on four yellow cards and a booking against Palace would see him suspended for Tottenham’s next league fixture, which just happens to be one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Following the London derby at Selhurst Park, Spurs’ next Premier League fixture is not until January 15, when they take on fierce north London rivals and current Premier League leaders Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The absence of Richarlison and possibly Dejan Kulusevski, after he missed the clash with Villa because of an ankle issue, means Kane has to start against Palace. Conte will face a tough decision if the game is in the balance into the latter stages, however, especially if tensions are high.
Does he stick with Kane and hope he avoids that fifth booking or does he make a huge decision to sub him off ensuring he will be available for the North London Derby?
One option that has been taken up by the Italian on a number of occasions would be moving Ivan Perisic into the frontline, although the Croatian has only been deployed there alongside Kane, as opposed to in place of him.
Kane will start on Wednesday, barring an injury, but there will be significant doubt over how many minutes he features for if Conte chooses to prioritise the game against Arsenal.
Source: Football London
