Tottenham Hotspur have released the latest team news ahead of their 2nd leg Round of 32 Europa League clash against Belgian outfit KAA Gent, and it has not left the club’s fans happy! The news included an update on the injured Argentine attacker, Erik Lamela, who has been absent for a long time now, and surprisingly, the club has not mentioned any return date for the winger.
The club’s statement read, “Erik is making progress and is now working on the field. No date is yet confirmed for a return to full training and his recovery continues to be monitored.”
TEAM NEWS: “@ErikLamela is making progress and is now working on the field. No date is yet confirmed for a return to full training.” pic.twitter.com/48GQ36eFGx
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 22, 2017
The fans were left furious with this update, as the team have clearly been missing Erik Lamela’s presence on the pitch. It even led to media sources wondering what is going on with Lamela’s comeback.
Tottenham are still unable to set a return date for Erik Lamela – https://t.co/gHct1vBwyL
He’s been out since October. pic.twitter.com/eFHa9Ckgtn
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) February 22, 2017
@SpursOfficial @ErikLamela who’s that? Does he play for Tottenham?
— TerryHotspur (@HotspurHou) February 22, 2017
@SpursOfficial @ErikLamela This reminds me of Mark & Lard’s “Vague News” spot on their radio show.
— mmee3087 (@marcusmee) February 23, 2017
@SpursOfficial @ErikLamela working on the field? Means what, pitch maintenance? Get some boots on the boy! #LamelaMysteryMan
— Brad Koop (@BKdigirev) February 23, 2017
@SpursOfficial @ErikLamela He isn’t coming back is he?
— . (@EricDxer) February 22, 2017
@LoveTheShirt How much have we missed Erik Lamela in the big games against other Top 6 sides this season?
— Thomas Murray (@TomMurray18) February 13, 2017
Anyone else miss @ErikLamela ??
— Keith Healy (@keefkong) February 11, 2017
Lamela has made 14 appearances for Tottenham this season, scoring 2 goals and setting up 7 assists in a total of 944 minutes on the pitch. The stats show that Lamela has been quite effective when he’s fit and it is not surprising to see fans eagerly waiting for his return.
Lamela suffered a hip injury back in October 2016 and hasn’t appeared for the club since then. It is now February, and 4 months into his injury, he has still not been given a proper return date by the physios. Though it is a big sign of worry, the fact that Lamela is still being monitored and hasn’t suffered a setback in his bid to recovery is encouraging news and the club’s followers need not be as worried as they are right now. With the club’s recent struggle for form, it is understandable that the fans are being vocal about their star man’s absence, but a turnaround in performances must settle some agitation down at White Hart Lane.
