Report: Kane could miss 1 month with latest ankle worry

Sunday's home defeat to Manchester United dealt Tottenham's title hopes a colossal blow, and for more reasons than the nine-point gap that now hampers the north London lot.

Harry Kane hobbled off the pitch in noticeable pain following a challenge in the closing minutes of the match from Red Devils defender Phil Jones. Swelling on Kane's injured left ankle made a scan impossible, delaying a timeframe for his return to first-team activities, according to the Guardian's Dominic Fifield and The Telegraph's Matt Law.

Fears are that Kane will miss a month, and with Heung-min Son set to join South Korea for the Asia Cup, Mauricio Pochettino is short on attacking options.

Fernando Llorente may be left as the lone forward, with Lucas Moura, who is returning from injury, also capable of deputizing up top. Pochettino said Vincent Janssen, who has been exiled to Under-23 duty, is not a viable option.

Kane has missed significant spells during the last two seasons due to ankle injuries, including a seven-week stretch in 2016. The 25-year-old is now in jeopardy of missing the League Cup semifinal second leg with Chelsea next Thursday, upwards of four Premier League matches, and an FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace next month. Spurs will hope to have Kane in the squad for the Champions League last-16 first-leg tilt with Borussia Dortmund on Feb. 13.