Pochettino happy to have Tottenham star available again

Mauricio Pochettino has spoken of Erik Lamela’s importance to the team following the Argentine’s return to the Tottenham starting XI. 

Lamela made his first start in over a year in Spurs’ 2-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday night having fully recovered from a long standing hip problem. 

The 25-year-old has made three substitute appearances following his return to fitness and Pochettino was pleased to have his compatriot back in the team after securing victory against the Seagulls. 

“I think it is so important what he brought to the team; fantastic energy today, and in the last few weeks too,” Pochettino said after the victory. 

“It’s so important for the team to have him fit again. I think he is going to help us a lot.” 

Lamela lasted 74 minutes against Brighton on Wednesday night before his withdrawal for Dele Alli, who was dropped to the bench in midweek. 

Tottenham travel to Manchester City on Saturday, but Pochettino confirmed that his side sustained no fresh injury issues after securing back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since October.