NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO says he would not even consider swapping Harry Kane for Romelu Lukaku.
The Spurs boss said: “I don’t even consider that option because it’s something that I don’t think about – for me, it doesn’t make sense. Harry is an amazing player.”
Nuno hailed Kane’s ability and attitude after the England captain failed to force through a move to Manchester City this summer.
He said: “I have been impressed with his quality and talent.
“I think he still can improve. We are in that process of trying to find the best levels of fitness. But his dedication has been huge.”
Striker Son Heung-min, defender Eric Dier and midfielder Ryan Sessegnon are all injured and set to miss tomorrow’s home clash with Lukaku’s Chelsea.
Attackers Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura are also big doubts after picking up knocks in the 2-2 Europa Conference League draw at Rennes on Thursday.
But Tottenham could be boosted by the return of Argentina duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero, plus Colombia centre-back Davinson Sanchez.
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The trio have been training in Croatia where they have been self-isolating, after travelling to South America on international duty without the club’s permission.
Nuno said: “They arrive back Saturday and will have a training session in the afternoon. If they are available and fit, they will be in the squad.
“They are working hard in Croatia with the sports science department. We’ll assess them properly.”
Nuno is not surprised by how quickly Thomas Tuchel has turned things around at Stamford Bridge.
The German guided the Blues to Champions League glory in May, just four months after taking over.
Nuno said: “Chelsea are a very good team and Thomas is doing an amazing job.
“They have lots of strengths, talented players, they play good football, they are organised and intense.
“They are European champions so we must value that. But we will compete, that’s a promise.”
Tottenham won all three of their opening top-flight fixtures, before the wheels came off in a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace last week.
But defender Matt Doherty – who played under Nuno at Wolves – is backing his gaffer to get it right.
He said: “He is only at the start of his reign, it takes time. You see what he did at Wolves, it takes a few seasons to master it.”
