Erik Lamela set for Tottenham return against West Ham – a year to the day since his hip injury
Argentine winger is eyeing a spot on the bench in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie - after fears he might never play again
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ERIK LAMELA is tipped to return for Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with West Ham - a year to the day since his last game - as he buries fears he might never play again.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has been "talking every day" with his Argentina winger to see when the hip-injury victim will be ready.
Lamela seems sure to sit out Sunday's Premier League clash at home to Liverpool - the side he was crocked against on October 25 last year.
But the Mail report Pochettino is hinting the 25-year-old should be on the bench for the fourth-round League Cup clash at Wembley three days later.
Pochettino said of his fellow countryman: "We are talking every day to try to find that feeling to say, 'Now, yes, I am available to compete'.
"It was a similar situation with Danny (Rose). I hope, maybe, he can be on the bench for West Ham."
Lamela's initial progress with his injury had prompted private worries that his whole career was in doubt.
But Spurs' best player early last season has transformed his recovery in the past few months.
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Pochettino said: "It's about waiting but he's doing very well in the last few weeks with the team and training.
"We need to wait for that click, and say 'I feel that I can cope with the competition'."
Spurs left Lamela out of their Champions League squad as he edged back to full fitness.
But he has looked in peak shape this week during training.
And, in World Cup year, he will be anxious to break back into a Tottenham team third in the Prem and well placed to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase.
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