Tottenham fans haven’t seen much of Erik Lamela lately, and they probably won’t be seeing much more of him.
The divisive attacker has been out of action since last December with a hip injury. During his absence, Lamela has spent a considerable amount of time in Rome attempting to recover with his former club A.S. Roma.
On Tuesday, The Independent reported Lamela does not expect to play against for Spurs this season, fuelling speculation about an imminent exit.
The following day, Tottenham confirmed Lamela will undergo surgery on Saturday and is set to miss the remainder of the current campaign.
INJURY UPDATE: @ErikLamela is to undergo surgery on his hip on Saturday. This will result in Erik returning to action next season. pic.twitter.com/heu7xk6I2f
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 29, 2017
The @Argentina international has undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation process following the injury in November.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 29, 2017
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.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 29, 2017
Therefore, following ongoing extensive consultation with specialists, surgery has been agreed by all as the best course of action.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 29, 2017
Lamela has split the Spurs fanbase since arriving for £30 million in the summer of 2013. He’ll have just two years left on his contract come the end of the season, and a return to Italy seems almost certain.
On his birthday, enjoy 5️⃣ of the best from @ErikLamela… #COYS pic.twitter.com/lO0WZCkYOR
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 4, 2017
Where is the evidence he is returning to Italy? Absolute rubbish. He has been returning to Italy ever since he arrived.
Hope that is the case. Lamela took well to Poch’s play style and proved he wasn’t a wasted buy. The injury is a real shame and would hope he can fully recover.