Erik Lamela could make his Tottenham Hotspur return against Leicester City tomorrow having told manager Mauricio Pochettino that he is finally ready for action after missing more than a year through injury.
Lamela, who has not played since late October last year, is likely to be named on the bench for the trip to the King Power Stadium.
Pochettino said there was never any doubt that Lamela would make his return, despite the 25-year-old having operations on both of his hips.
“No, never doubts,” Pochettino said. “We trusted in our medical staff and him that he is a very competitive player, always focused on his recovery.
“It is true that after a year it is difficult for a player to be fit and find the feelings in the competition when it’s an injury for long term. Always it’s not easy and the expectations need to be low.
“There is no pressure on him, only to feel he is a player in the competition again.”
Lamela’s return is well-timed for Tottenham, who have only won once in their last four Premier League matches.
Pochettino conceded after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion that his side are now out of the title race. Tottenham are now 13 points behind leaders Manchester City and this weekend fell below Arsenal in the league table.
Pochettino, however, pointed to the progress his side has made over the long term, highlighting Champions League victories over Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund as evidence of Tottenham’s recent improvement.
“If you remembered everything that happened three years ago, no one would believe we would be talking about finishing first, beating Dortmund and Real Madrid and finishing first in the Champions League and have the capacity in the last three seasons to fight for the top four and the Premier League,” he said.
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