Captain Hugo Lloris admits Tottenham’s players are “a bit worried” as they wait for news on Harry Kane’s injury – but he feels the squad is strong enough to cope with any enforced absences this season.

Kane was stretchered off during yesterday’s 1-0 home win over Sunderland at White Hart Lane, having scored the decisive goal, and left the stadium on crutches, wearing a protective boot.

Mauricio Pochettino said after the game that he feared the striker had suffered ankle ligament damage, and new recruit Vincent Janssen - who was signed to provide cover for Kane - is now set for a run in the side. The only question is how long that run will be.

“We just hope it’s not too bad,” said Lloris. “It’s true that if you look at the images, we can be a bit worried, but all the medical staff are going to try to bring him back as quick as possible. We need to wait for the diagnostics.

“We have a competitive team and are fully confident in every player. When one player is missing, it gives an opportunity to another player to bring his skills, energy and quality.

“This is the story of the season and that’s why we need all the players involved to be committed to the club, because when the manager needs you, you need to respond well.

“We have a lot of international players. We have a good mix between experienced players and young talented players, but the only way to know [how strong our squad is] is to see at the end of the season.”

Kane is the latest Spurs player to suffer an injury after playing at Euro 2016 in the summer - Danny Rose and Lloris himself have both had a spell on the sidelines with hamstring problems.

“It’s the same case for the other players involved in the last Euros,” said Lloris. “Of course we have a lot of players at Tottenham but it’s the same case at some other teams. I think the medical staff will try their best.

“We all enjoy the way we work but last season was a very tough season and very long, and you need time to recover that - but in football you don’t have time because the new season is starting and you need to be ready to help your team and be ready to compete. It’s the same case for every team in Europe.”

While Kane’s injury took some of the shine off Tottenham’s victory on Sunday, their third triumph from their opening five top-flight fixtures took them up to third place in the table and restored momentum and confidence after last Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Monaco.

Pochettino had expressed his disappointment with Spurs’ first-half performance in that European clash at Wembley, accusing his players of having “a lack of passion” - and his players took the criticism onboard.

They were much quicker out of the blocks against Sunderland, mustering 19 shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes – the most in the first half of a Premier League game since Boxing Day – and eventually got their reward just before the hour-mark.

“We all agreed after the Monaco game – especially the first half – that we need to bring more energy and maybe more passion,” said Lloris. “All the lads are very passionate and love football but sometimes it doesn’t go in the way you want.

“You know [what the manager said] is only the truth. He doesn’t lie to his players and it was the case after the Monaco game. In the changing room after the game, it was a bit sad and we were very disappointed.

“We all felt guilty but the most important thing is the way you react, and yesterday was a very good signal for the manager, the club and the fans too.

“It was very important first of all to bounce back after the defeat in the Champions League, and secondly I think we need to carry on in the Premier League.

“We made a very good performance. It’s true that we need to score more because we need to feel more safe during the game but I think the goals will happen.”

Lloris added: “We can congratulate their keeper (Jordan Pickford), he was amazing. I think he’s 22. Last season he was brilliant too.

“I prefer that you talk a bit more about his performance because it’s not easy. Every game he has to make more than five saves and mentally you can get tired, but he was amazing and until the end he made the difference.

“But if we look at our performance, it’s true that we need to do better. In front of the goal we need to be more clinical, we need to be more aggressive - but 1-0 was enough to get the three points.”

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