Tottenham have delivered a well-timed update on Erik Lamela as rumours continue to circulate about his absence.
The Argentine hasn’t played since injuring his hip in the EFL Cup final defeat to Liverpool in November, and the Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that Mauricio Pochettino was making him was training alone.
The newspaper suggested that there was some confusion after a scan did not show any damage.
However, Spurs have now cleared up the situation, confirming that he won’t be playing again this season.
A statement on their official website read:
“The Club can confirm that Erik Lamela is to undergo surgery on his hip on Saturday.
“The Argentina international has undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation process following the injury in November.
“The player has achieved a good level of function, however he has been unable to reach the stage required to make a full return to training.
“Therefore, following ongoing extensive consultation with specialists, surgery has been agreed by all as the best course of action.
“This will result in Erik returning to action next season.”
It’s an outcome many fans suspected.
The 25-year-old took a long time to settle in north London, but after finally finding his feet last season, he’s had another difficult campaign in 2016/2017.
It all started so well with a goal against Everton. In his 14 games in all competitions this term, he scored two goals and assisted another three.
Heung-Min Son has since replaced him in the pecking order as a result of his injuries, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll still be in north London after the summer transfer window.
Whatever the club’s official line is, many fans will continue to speculate until they actually see him in a Spurs shirt again.
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