Mourinho reveals sooner-than-expected return date for Kane

Striker Harry Kane could be fit again and training as early as next week, according to Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho.

The Spurs sharpshooter hobbled of the turf at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after damaging both of his ankles in the 3-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool last Thursday night.

Mourinho revealed ahead of tomorrow night's massive top-flight showdown with his old club Chelsea that Kane could feature in the team as soon as next week in the FA Cup fifth round tie with Everton.

"He is happy with the progress; of course we are happy too," said Mourinho.

"I think it is not a very optimistic thing to say that next week he should be playing. It will just be a consequence of his good evolution.

"We are happy. We were a bit scared when everything happened but now we are much more positive.

"Next week we play Everton in midweek and Manchester City at the weekend. I believe for one of these matches he should be back."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho (right) shakes hands with Dele Alli after the final whistle

The Tottenham boss also spoke about in-limbo midfielder Dele Alli whose proposed loan move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain failed to happen but Mourinho insists that he could still play a part for the north-Londoners this season.

Mourinho had a sit-down with the England international and is hoping that could help motivate him.

"I had a good conversation with him yesterday (Tuesday), we spoke around this question that you ask me," he said.

"I think we found a very common ground, let's say. It's an important period of the season for the team, and for him also. We need him, we need a good Dele Alli. We are just waiting for him to be back to normality, training with the team.

"It's not just Dele. It's Dele, (Harry) Kane, Gio Le Celso. Without all three we miss some creation, some magic around the attacking areas. We need him back and I made that very sure to him.

"A conversation doesn't make miracles, it doesn't put a player in good form. But I believe the conversation was maybe the extra motivation he needed to be back as soon as possible and become available for the team."

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