Tottenham ‘may risk’ Harry Kane and Harry Winks for their Premier League clash against Arsenal despite both players being ruled out of international action, says England boss Gareth Southgate.
Striker Kane and midfielder Winks withdrew from the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil and are in a race to regain full fitness ahead of the trip to the Emirates on November 18.
Kane has a knee injury while Winks has been struggling with an ankle problem but both could be ‘risked’ by Spurs for their clash at Arsenal.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Southgate said: ‘Both Harry Kane and Harry Winks were scanned, they were clearly not available for us but Spurs may risk them for the North London derby.
‘The players that are injured cannot play. I don’t take risks with players. It’s their livelihood, it’s their careers. As a manager you have a duty of care to the players.
‘The last two international weeks, every player has been available for their club that weekend. I’m hearing talk of club v country. It’s nonsense.’
Kane and Winks were two of six players to withdraw from Southgate’s squad and the England boss has urged new faces in the dressing room to make the most of their opportunity.
‘We’ve had to change plans because we had an idea of players we’d have liked to play. But a great opportunity for players coming in,’ he added.
‘I’ve really enjoyed the week. New players coming in and two great games to look forward to.
‘I’ve learned a lot from the week. We’ll take more from these games than any of the qualification games.’
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