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Harry Kane back in Tottenham squad for Arsenal derby

Harry Kane celebrates opening the scoring for Tottenham

Harry Kane is back in the Tottenham squad for Sunday's north London derby away to Arsenal in the Premier League.

The England striker has been out of action since injuring his ankle against Sunderland on 18 September.

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The news is a big boost to boss Mauricio Pochettino with Vincent Janssen and Son Heung-Mi failing to fire in recent weeks.

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Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino confirms Harry Kane has recovered from an ankle injury in time to play in Sunday's North London derby

"It's not a risk - the doctor says he is fine," said Pochettino, who is hoping the return of Kane is a positive sign. 

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is put onto a stretcher after coming off injured during the Premier League match between To
Image: Harry Kane suffered his injury six weeks ago

"We had many, many small problems [in October] - maybe November and December can be fantastic months for us.

"I need to decide if he is in the starting XI or on the bench. We're very happy - yesterday [Thursday] he had a very good training session. He's fit. 

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Jamie Redknapp looks ahead to Tottenham's Premier League clash at Arsenal on Sunday

"It's important - the last few seasons he's been very important for us. It's important he is fit, important for the club." 

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In the 10 games since Kane suffered his injury, Janssen has scored just three goals - all from the penalty spot.

Son made a decent start, scoring three goals in two games, but he has failed to score in his last six.

Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is stretchered off the pitch during the game at West Brom
Image: Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is stretchered off the pitch during the game at West Brom

Kane's return is also welcome news for Gareth Southgate, who is due to name his England squad on Sunday for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland and the friendly with Spain.

Meanwhile, Pochettino has confirmed that centre-back Toby Alderweireld is still not ready to return from his injury.

"He's close but won't be ready until after the international break and isn't in the Belgian squad," said Pochettino.

Toby Alderweireld celebrates after scoring against Monaco at Wembley Stadium
Image: Toby Alderweireld is not yet fit enough to return for Spurs

Midfielder Mousa Dembele is a major doubt for the Arsenal game, as is Erik Lamela.

Pochettino has warned his players that if they want to be a part of his long-term plans, they will have to be much better than they were midweek when they lost 1-0 at Wembley to Bayer Leverkusen.

"We were poor, we can't play that way against Arsenal," Pochettino said. "We need to be calm. When you have a period when you don't win games, you need to be calm.

Bayer Leverkusen players celebrate victory over Spurs
Image: Bayer Leverkusen players celebrate victory over Spurs

"We need to be very quiet and in the same way critical and assess and be sure for the future to take better decisions.

"It is true we are very young and we are a team in a process where the club is building a massive stadium, an unbelievable stadium, the best in England or in Europe. The team is in the same process.

"We settle the principle and the way to play. The players can be here for the next few seasons and the players need to show more to be here."

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