After another Erik Lamela injury, Tottenham surely have to consider summer sale

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Tottenham Hotspur edged past Southampton in the FA Cup fourth round on Thursday.

The north Londoners won 3-2, advancing courtesy of a late Heung-min Son penalty, and Jose Mourinho’s side will take on Norwich City in the next round.

It was a real test for Spurs, who were somewhat fortunate to beat the south coast side – statistics showed the Saints had more possession (57%-43%), more shots (15-9), and more shots on target (7-3) than the hosts (BBC Sport).

Mourinho went relatively full strength for the game, but one man who missed out who perhaps might have played, was Erik Lamela.

The Argentine playmaker featured in the previous 1-1 draw, but was ruled out of the replay with a groin problem (Evening Standard).

Fans are now awaiting news of how long he could be out for.

There was some real frustration from supporters on social media about the news, with Lamela having already had a two-month injury lay off this season.

The player’s injury record has not been encouraging since he joined the club back in 2013 – according to Transfermarkt, (not counting last night) Lamela has missed 636 days through injury, equating to 97 matches.

TBR’s view – Tottenham should consider cutting their losses

Yet another injury for Lamela should see Tottenham strongly consider selling the 27-year-old this summer.

His fragility is not helping, and actually when fit, Lamela isn’t always consistent.

He is undoubtedly a talent when on song – his record of 33 goals and 45 assists in 209 appearances for the attacking midfielder isn’t terrible. His numbers could be a lot more impressive though.

At the age of 27 though and with two years remaining on his contract from the summer, it could be a good time to cash on the £80,000-a-week player (Spotrac), whose transfer cost the club just shy of £30 million (BBC Sport).

Spurs appear to have more cover now with the likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Gedson Fernandes and Steven Bergwijn, so it should be a move worth considering.