Nuno Espirito Santo explains Harry Kane absence against Manchester City

Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Harry Kane will not be facing Manchester City due to a lack of fitness.

The England skipper returned to full training with the Lilywhites on Friday and was supposedly preparing to make himself available for selection against the Premier League champions.

However, Kane has been left out of the squad entirely for his side's Premier League opener, and Santo has affirmed that the 28-year-old needs more time to hit his peak condition.

Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of the contest, Santo said: "He is continuing his preparation, the delay, all these things. Harry needs to work, he worked today and he will keep on working until he is ready for the team.

"Players that have not had many sessions need more work with us. It's a different case with Bryan (Gil) because he was at the Olympic Games, also Romero, but I think, for them it is important to be here to see the stadium, the hotel, the meeting, to see all the process we have, it is important.

"He [Kane] worked in the morning, I don't know what he is going to do (this afternoon)."

In Kane's absence, Santo has chosen Son Heung-min to lead the line against Man City, who have started £100m signing Jack Grealish from the first whistle.