Victor Wanyama nearing Spurs comeback, says Pochettino
The Kenyan midfielder is expected to return from a four-month layoff following a serious knee injury.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama has returned to full training with the squad after overcoming a knee injury which sidelined him for four months. The Kenyan is expected to return to first team action at some point over the festive period.
“He is back in training with the team since yesterday,” Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Friday. “Now we need to see how he reacts, his knee. But it’s a very good feeling from him.”
Wanyama has only made two appearances this season, as a substitute in Tottenham’s first game of the Premier League, against Newcastle, and started in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. The 26-year-old isn't in the squad for tomorrow's match against Burnley, however, he could make his return for upcoming fixtures against Southampton, Swansea and West Ham.
Pochettino: We have missed a player like him
During his press conference, Pochettino admitted Tottenham have missed Wanyama in midfield this season. "Last season, he was such an important player for us. And this season, it's true. In a position that you need to be strong, we have missed a player like him. It will be fantastic if, as soon as possible, he can be again involved and available to be selected because he is a very good player; a very important player for us.
Assistant manager, Jesús Pérez, had positive comments to say about Wanyama’s condition, and said the club was pleased that he avoided injury. "We tried all the conservative measures to avoid anything major (an operation) and, so far, it has worked well,” he explained. And he has reacted very well to the last couple of training sessions.
Fourth place "not good enough" for Spurs
Regarding Spurs current situation, the Argentinian added that he would not accept a fourth-placed finish at the end of the season. “Do I want higher than that? Yes, of course. I am not a comfortable person. I love to take a risk. I feel I am a winner. Sometimes the winners lose too and they have to lose to feel the pain. But I never accept a result before it is played. Never.”