Pochettino hints Lamela could make injury return against West Brom

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino teased a possible return for Erik Lamela ahead of Saturday's home fixture against West Bromwich Albion, telling reporters that the Argentine winger will have the final say on his status for the match at Wembley Stadium.

Lamela, 25, has been sidelined with a hip injury since October 2016, suffering a few setbacks in his recovery in that time. Pochettino said he has yet to decide if he will be in his squad, but is still open to the possibility.

"We are waiting because now it is on him," Pochettino said, according to the Guardian's Paul MacInnes. "It is up to him to get the right feeling to say: 'I am here, I am available if you want, gaffer.' That is now all that we are waiting for. He is training, doing well, and now, after one year, it is about how he is feeling."

Pochettino was also open to the idea of waiting before turning to Lamela, as Spurs have a number of upcoming matches in the next few weeks. If he is absent for Saturday's West Brom tilt, he could be deputised for a Tuesday bout against Leicester City, or next weekend's away trip to Watford.

The manager is in no rush, however, as his winger ranks remain healthy. The team's injury concerns at the moment include defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama and center-back Toby Alderweireld.