Mauricio Pochettino says Fabian Delph could have seen red following his coming together with Harry Kane which could have left the Tottenham striker out for the season.
Kane, who missed eight games through an ankle injury earlier this season, was forced off after the hour mark after the striker moved to block a ball from his England team-mate which resulted in Delph’s boot planting on Kane’s left ankle as it rolled.
There was no malice from the Manchester City man, though a few others in Pep Guardiola’s side had given Kane a rough ride in first half.
Pochettino spoke with Delph on the pitch after the game, though despite saying the full-back could have been sent off insisted there were no issues between the two.
“I was talking with Delph about the situation that happened, because he was so upset and he was so aggressive with Harry after the action,” Pochettino said.
“I tried to make him understand that it wasn’t the intention from him or Harry to damage each other, only it was a tough action. Harry twist his ankle, the touch the ball and then he [Delph] step to his ankle.
“And I said you him ‘you are lucky, because it was checking on the VAR maybe technically it was a red card’.
“I think both were fighting for the ball with no intention to damage each other. Harry wanted to talk with him but he was so aggressive, maybe was upset or was painful from the action. It was very friendly the conversation, no problem between us.”
On the damage sustained by Kane, who headed straight down the tunnel following the coming together unable to carry his own weight, Pochettino added: "If you see the action, it’s an action that he maybe twists his ankle, can really damage the ligaments. We need to check in the next few days. It’s so painful.
"I worry it’s the end of his season.”
While Tottenham could be without their talisman for the end of the season, England manager Gareth Southgate will also be concerned about losing his captain for the Nations League finals this summer.
