Tottenham Hotspur boss backs Erik Lamela to kick on now he has returned to fitness.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is excited to have Erik Lamela back at his disposal.
The Argentine winger is preparing to make his comeback for Spurs and could feature in the squad against Leicester City.
Lamela has not featured for Tottenham since October 2016 after suffering a hip injury.
He has had to undergo surgery during this time, and Pochettino admits it has not been easy for Lamela, and that the former Roma man has struggled with the mental aspects of not playing.
Pochettino told The Guardian: “He was very down. He’s still so young but it was a massive problem for him.
“To get through two hip operations, you need to be strong. But he has a massive energy and is a very energetic person.
“When you see him in the dressing room or restaurant he is always moving. He is hyperactive – that’s how he is on the pitch. He loves to run, loves to feel the ball at his feet.”
Lamela added a different dimension for Spurs when he was available, although fans will have to be patient with him upon his return.
While he could come back and make a big impact, it is very possible the team will not see the best of him until 2018, and the next few weeks will simply be about building his fitness back up.
Either way if he can at least get onto the bench this evening it will be good progress, and long overdue.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
