Jose Mourinho has admitted that Erik Lamela is still not training with the squad as part of his plan to protect the midfielder ahead of the London derby against Chelsea tomorrow afternoon.
The match could be crucial for in the race for Champions League qualification with just a point separating the two sides.
Spurs come into the game with injuries to key players along with having played 90 minutes on Wednesday night following 1-0 home defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Son Heung-min and Harry Kane are both out with long term injuries meaning that the Lilywhites are desperately short of attacking options at the minute.
Lamela came off the bench for the final half an hour of the game against Leipzig and gave some real impetuous to the Spurs attack, despite having not trained since his return from injury.
Mourinho revealed his admiration for the Argentine and hoped that he could use him for a stint at Stamford Bridge.
When quizzed on Lamela, the Spurs boss told Football.London: “Not training with the squad, being protected to be in conditions to give us some time in the next time.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“A player I like very, very much, I’ve always liked, but a difficult season for him, lots of injuries and problems.
“An incredible spirit to recover, work and didn’t even go home to Argentina in days off. Stayed here working hard, trying to give us what he gave in last game after no training, no conditions. Tomorrow will be the same, he’ll be here to help.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Given our lack of attacking options at the minute, we are going to need all the help we can get. Lamela can be an excellent option from the bench in the final twenty minutes especially if we are chasing the game. The Argentine certainly loves turning up in London derbies and let’s hope he has an impact on Saturday.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
