Cristian Stellini has revealed that Harry Kane could be rested as Tottenham take on Portsmouth in the FA Cup’s third round this weekend.
Spurs begin their FA Cup campaign with a home clash against third-tier Portsmouth on Saturday, as the north Londoners look to build on a 4-0 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League last time out.
Spurs have not lifted the FA Cup since 1991 and are without a major trophy in 15 years, but will target the tournament as a realistic route to silverware this season.
Stellini held the club’s pre-match press conference in the absence of Antonio Conte, following the news that Conte’s former Juventus teammate, Gianluca Vialli, had died aged 58.
“Antonio in this moment is very upset. We are close to Vialli’s family and all of those who loved Vialli. He’s an important person,” Stellini said.
“He was a great player but first of all a great man. He taught us a lot of things, not only when he played but when he spoke. If you know him and the people that know him only speak well about this great guy. A great leader for Italy.”
Stellini discussed Spurs’ plans for the fixture with Portsmouth and revealed that Harry Kane could be rested for the clash.
The 29-year-old scored twice in the club’s win at Palace this week and has started each of Spurs’ 25 fixtures in all competitions this season.
“It could be an opportunity to give him a rest but we don’t have many players,” he said. “We have to choose the player in the front line and it’s an important cup and an important match.
“We are working hard to recover players. Maybe some can recover next week but we have to focus on this next match and we will respect this competition.”
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