Pochettino welcomes Lamela back from injury hell

Mauricio Pochettino sought to temper expectations around Erik Lamela after confirming the Tottenham winger’s injury nightmare is set to end in Tuesday’s Premier League match at Leicester City.

Argentina international Lamela has not featured for Spurs’ first-team since last season’s EFL Cup tie against Liverpool and has since undergone surgery on both hips.

He turned out for the club’s Under-23 side against Chelsea earlier this month and Pochettino confirmed Lamela, whose partner gave birth to a son on Saturday, is in contention for the trip to the King Power Stadium.

“It’s very good news because he is in contention for tomorrow,” the Tottenham manager told a pre-match news conference.

“It’s because after training today he felt good and said, ‘Okay, I am ready to move on and be available if you want’.

“I think it’s important because we have a very busy schedule ahead. Always to have Erik available to help the team is so important.

“Yes, Saturday his girlfriend had a baby. Fantastic news for him and more good news for him after one year out.”

 Mauricio delivers the latest on @ErikLamela ahead of tomorrow’s @premierleague clash with @LCFC. pic.twitter.com/I5iVFnQnz9

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 27, 2017

Asked whether Lamela’s return would boost a Tottenham side on a run of one win from their past four attempts in the Premier League, Pochettino replied: “After one year we need to stay calm with him. He’s so important for the team because he’s one player more with different qualities to help the team in different situations during the game.

“It’s true we cannot expect too much now, only to be happy. We trusted in our medical staff and him that he’s a very competitive player, always focused on his recovery.

“It’s true that after a year it’s difficult for a player to be fit and find the feelings in the competition when it’s an injury for long term.”

Pochettino confirmed Danny Rose will return for the Leicester clash having again been left out of Tottenham’s matchday 18 for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against West Brom.

England left-back Rose was not part of the squad for the 2-0 north London derby loss to Arsenal but returned as Borussia Dortmund were dispatched 2-1 in the Champions League last week.

“He understands perfectly that we are caring for him,” said Pochettino, who has frequently played down the notion of a rift with Rose over the past week.

“I think he played in Dortmund and now he needs to build up. He’s getting better and better every week.

“Always it’s my decision, not only with Danny but with everyone. It’s about caring for them first of all, to try to perform in the level that we want and to benefit them.

“He was training during the week and now he’s available for tomorrow again.”

Midfielder Harry Winks will be monitored by Spurs as he tries to shake off an illness, while Toby Alderweireld (hamstring) and Victor Wanyama (knee) remain sidelined.