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Aitor Karanka says Harry Kane absence will not limit Tottenham danger on Saturday

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka (REUTERS)
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Kane has injured his ankle ligaments and is expected to miss several weeks.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has told reporters, as quoted by Goal, that the absence of Harry Kane will not make Tottenham Hotspur any less dangerous, and suggested that his side would miss striker Alvaro Negredo more than Spurs will miss the England man.

Boro host Spurs on Saturday looking for their first home win of the season since their promotion, whilst the North London side are hoping to continue their five-game unbeaten streak to start the league season.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will have to do that without their star striker Kane, who is expected to miss several weeks with an ankle injury sustained last weekend.

Tottenham's Harry Kane

To many, that would appear to be a serious disadvantage. Kane has scored in each of the last two league games, including the winner in the 1-0 home victory over Sunderland last time out.

However, Karanka does not believe that his side will be benefited by the star’s absence, pointing to the fact that Spurs can boast excellent strength in depth throughout their squad.

The Boro boss said, via Goal: “They have top players and we have to know one mistake in the Premier League and we will be punished. In the Championship you can be lost for 10 minutes and nothing happens, but now 10 minutes lost on the pitch is three goals.

Tottenham's Harry Kane receives medical attention after sustaining an injury before being substituted

“I think we would miss Alvaro [Negredo] more than they will miss Kane. They have other players to play, an amazing squad. Mauricio [Pochettino] will play someone who is really motivated.”

Karanka would seem to have a point. Spurs have a ready-made replacement waiting in the wings in the form of Vicnent Janssen, their £17 million summer signing.

The Dutchman hit his first goal for the club in the 5-0 thrashing of Gillingham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, and will be chomping at the bit to prove himself in Kane’s absence.

Tottenham's Vincent Janssen