It has been a bad week for Tottenham but Erik Lamela at least has reasons to smile.

While his team-mates were enduring another frustrating afternoon at Wembley on Saturday, drawing 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion, he was witnessing the birth of his first child – a son.

Then, on Tuesday night, the midfielder’s long-awaited return from injury provided the sole silver lining from the 2-1 defeat at Leicester City.

Appearing off the bench in the 77th minute in place of Christian Eriksen, Lamela took the final steps on a long road to recovery – a road which started 13 months ago when he entered the treatment room, and involved operations on both of his hips.

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“It was crazy, probably the worst time of my life,” said Lamela. “I really wanted to play but it took too long, my injury.

“The lowest point was when I did two surgeries in one and a half months. I was not available to play but was working every day and doing the right rehabilitation. In my mind was always the feeling that I wanted to play and be back with the team.

“Did I ever worry I wouldn’t come back? Of course, in really bad times you always think the worst.

“But my family was always with me and the supporters who wanted me on the pitch, they brought me energy to work every day and to never give up. I’m here today because I really wanted it, and when you really want something you can do it.

“The manager and all the staff honestly were amazing. They were always with me, behind me. All of us wanted the same thing – me playing. Sometimes you have to respect the times and today I feel better.”

Asked about becoming a father, Lamela said: “I’m so happy for this and I want to go home now to see him.”

In the build-up to Tuesday’s trip to Leicester, Pochettino urged Spurs’ supporters to be patient with Lamela and not expect too much too early.

But the Argentinian made an impact within two minutes of his introduction, setting up Harry Kane for a goal that halved Spurs’ deficit and gave them renewed hope of finding an equaliser.

It did not arrive though and, having missed Tottenham’s famous European nights against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid this season, Lamela returns to a side that is lying outside the top four and facing a fight to qualify for the Champions League again.

“I feel good to be back on the pitch but disappointed for the result,” said the Argentinian. “Of course I can get much better. I’m still not 100 per cent but I’m good enough to play and I’m happy to be back.

“It’s only a bad week. I believe 100 per cent in this team, I know the quality that we have. I believe we have a very, very good team and we will be better of course.

“I want the best for my club, because me and my team-mates are friends. After a long time out I want the best for my club and of course I want the best for me.”

The challenge now for Lamela is to prove his fitness, return to his best form and then earn a new contract, given his current deal with Tottenham expires in 2019.

“I don’t want to think about it. I’m only focused on keeping playing, recovering for training tomorrow and taking it day by day,” said Lamela.

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