Erik Lamela has not played for Tottenham Hotspur since October.
This was supposed to be Erik Lamela’s season. The Argentine had progressed during every year he had been at Tottenham Hotspur, and there was a hope that he would take the Premier League by storm at the start of the campaign.
Lamela enjoyed a brilliant pre-season, where he was one of Spurs’ most integral players, but the Argentine winger has experienced noting but frustration this campaign.
Lamela has been kept out since October, with what was supposed to be a routine hip injury.
The 24-year-old was expected to return quickly after picking up the niggle, but he has failed to recover – despite lengthy treatment.
Lamela was even granted permission to return to Roma to get fit, and while he is back in light training now, it is unclear when Lamela will return to Tottenham’s first-team.
When he does make it back, Lamela has the added complication of finding a new place for him in the Spurs’ team.
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Much has changed at White Hart Lane during Lamela’s absence, and Mauricio Pochettino tactical change arguably doesn’t suit him.
Lamela had enjoyed his best form in a Spurs shirt when being deployed as a wide-man in their four pronged attack. The former Roma man’s energy and desire, meant he was a weapon both offensively and defensively for the Lilywhites.
However, Pochettino has recently shifted to a 3-4-3 system, and it is hard to find room for Lamela in that formation.
Harry Kane’s place as Tottenham’s central striker is totally secure, and with Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli flanking him, there appears to be no room for Lamela in Spurs’ attacking triumvirate.
Lamela could, arguably, be utilised as in Kyle Walker’s right-wing back spot, but the England international has also been in excellent form this season, and, in any case, it is a position that he would be totally unfamiliar with.
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And, while Pochettino has still used the 4-2-3-1 formation on occasion, Spurs have enjoyed their greatest success in a 3-4-3 shape.
It leaves questions over where Lamela fits in to Spurs’ starting line-up at this current moment in time, and when he does return he may well find himself playing for his White Hart Lane future once again.
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