Harry Winks has revealed he is “feeling good” after finally making his full return from a long-term injury against Fulham on Saturday.
The midfielder was an 89th minute substitute as Tottenham ran out 3-1 winners at Wembley thanks to goals from Lucas Moura, Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane.
Winks missed almost the entire second half of last season with an an ankle injury and eventually underwent surgery, which also ruled him out of Spurs’ pre-season tour of the US.
But the 22-year-old, who was excellent in memorable games against Real Madrid in the Champions League last term, says he is now ready to maintain his fitness and play a part for Tottenham this season.
“I’m feeling good, feeling fit,” Winks told the club’s official website. “My ankle is feeling strong at the moment which is good so as long as I manage it well and stay on top of it relentlessly, which I will do, then everything should be all good.
“It’s horrible being injured. Speak to any footballer when they’re injured, watching the game and not playing – it’s the worst thing but it’s part of football, part of the game and you’ve got to deal with it. Whatever happens in the game, it’s the way you bounce back and hopefully it’s going to be a fresh and very good season for me.
“It was really good to get back out on the pitch against Fulham – it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been working hard over the last few months to get fit and get back out there and to do that, play back in the Premier League and see the team win, it’s a great feeling.”
Winks’ importance is likely to increase as Mousa Dembele’s contract continues to run down. The Belgian is now in the final year of his current deal and doesn’t seem keen on extending his stay with Spurs.
Dembele could still leave before the European transfer window closes on August 31st, but Tottenham would be wise to keep hold of him in case Winks’ ankle problem makes an unwelcome return.
