‘Not easy’ – Spurs boss Mourinho raises concern about key position

Jose Mourinho has raised concerns over how Tottenham will cope without a recognised striker during Harry Kane’s absence.

Kane suffered a torn hamstring during last week’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton in the Premier League, potentially ruling him out until March. As a result, Spurs played without a centre-forward at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Sunday, though Lucas Moura popped up with a headed equaliser to earn the Londoners a replay.

But despite Lucas and Son – and more recently Dele Alli – chipping in with goals during Kane’s past injury lay-offs, Tottenham no longer have Fernando Llorente to call upon when in need of a presence through the middle.

And according to Mourinho, Spurs’ style of play was harmed at Middlesbrough as a consequence of missing Kane.

“It’s a new thing for the team to play without Harry, without a striker,” Mourinho said after the game (via Sky Sports). “We tried to give them the mobility of Son and Lucas, but it was not easy.

“The boys did what they can. You cannot transform Lucas or Son into a number nine like Harry Kane. So we have to try other things and that is what we are going to do.”

Mourinho’s comments suggest Tottenham could enter the market for a new striker this month. If would make a lot of sense given the club didn’t replace Llorente last summer.

With teenager Troy Parrott too early in his development to immediately step up to the first-team, Spurs should consider signing a more experienced striker in the next few weeks.