The Tottenham Hotspur winger has recently returned to action after injury.
In recent comments published on the club’s website, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Erik Lamela would not be rushed back into first-team action.
That is no surprise considering he has been out injured for 13 months and only has an hour of under-23 football under his belt since then. But it now seems Tottenham fans may have to wait until around Christmas for the 25-year-old to prove he still has a role to play in North London.
“We are happy with him and now it’s important to see what happens in the next few weeks,” Pochettino told tottenhamhotspur.com.
“We hope he starts to feel better and better and then be available for selection for the first-team.”
Only a fool would suggest Lamela was going to force his way straight back into Tottenham’s senior side, and one wonders if Pochettino is doing his best to ensure he has the Argentine ready for the hectic festive fixtures.
After all, the games come thick and fast in late December and early January, and if Lamela can rediscover his form for those games he could be a very handy option, initially off the bench and then from kick-off.
Tottenham have a strong squad at their disposal but Lamela’s ability on the ball should not be understated, even if some fans feel the club have moved on in his absence.
The Spurs boss will have a long-term plan when it comes to the divisive wide man and Christmas could see him finally return to the fore.
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