Tottenham manager José Mourinho has confirmed that winger Érik Lamela has returned to training following a hamstring injury.
Lamela has not been seen since late October, when former boss Mauricio Pochettino was still in charge, so Mourinho has not yet had the chance to work with the Argentine.
TEAM NEWS:
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 23, 2019
@Ben_Davies33 (ankle) and Hugo Lloris (elbow) - continuing rehabilitation.
@ErikLamela (hamstring) – commenced integration into first team training. pic.twitter.com/hO3EMWefVn
However, that is now set to change as Mourinho has confirmed (via Charlie Eccleshare) that Lamela has returned to training, meaning he is now in contention to feature against Brighton on Boxing Day.
His return comes with Son Heung-min facing a three-game suspension for his red card in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Chelsea, although Mourinho did add that Spurs have already appealed that decision.
Fortunately for the boss, he will soon have Lamela back in the squad. Mourinho has previously spoken of just how much he wants to be able to call upon the former Roma attacker as he feels Lamela would be a perfect fit for his system.
"Been out for two months...not one training session with me. Never. I’m still waiting for his first training session. Hopefully soon," Mourinho said last week (via football.london).
"I hope I can have him for Christmas. When I say Christmas I’m not saying Chelsea on the 22nd. But I hope maybe the 28th, first of January. I need him.
"If I am to play with more defensive players than I do and have only one or two attackers then I have two on the bench.
The 27-year-old managed three goals and three assists in 13 appearances before going down with his injury. He was a regular starter under Pochettino, and it seems as though he may be able to retain that role under the new boss.
Mourinho's love for hard-working players is no secret, and Lamela is certainly one of those, so this could be a match made in heaven.
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Source : 90min