Harry Kane back in training ahead of Carabao Cup final

Harry Kane is touch and go to feature in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City after he returned to training on Thursday.

The Tottenham striker went off with an ankle problem in the latter stages of their 2-2 draw with Everton last week, and given his history with injuries - particularly where his ankle is involved - it didn't look great for his prospects of featuring at Wembley.

Those fears were furthered when he sat out Ryan Mason's first game in interim charge, watching from the sidelines as Spurs fought back to earn a valuable 2-1 win against Southampton in the Premier League.

Kane's absence from that match came just four days before the showdown with City, but it seems he is pulling out all the stops to be involved. Reports stemming from MailOnline Sport say that he was back out onto the training pitch on Thursday, and that Mason is now optimistic he will be available in time for the weekend.

He trained by himself on Thursday but is expected to rejoin team sessions on Friday and Saturday. Given he has only been out for a short period, he shouldn't take too long to get back up to speed and there is a feeling he will be fit to play some part provided the injury doesn't flare up in training.

Having Kane back would be a major boost for Tottenham as they look to kick the post-Mourinho era off with a bang. The Portuguese was dismissed off the back of their draw with Everton, and 29-year-old Mason will lead their charge to win a trophy for the first time since 2008.

Kane has netted 31 goals so far this season, including five in his last four appearances, so will go into the final in good form providing he passes a late fitness test. Many view it as a must-win game for Tottenham, amid rumours of discontent from England's captain about Spurs' inability to challenge for major honours.