‘I’m not 100%’: £23m Tottenham admits he started last night despite not being fully fit

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Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura has admitted he wasn’t fully fit to play against Sporting last night.

Moura spoke to the club’s official website after their 1-1 draw in the Champions League.

It was the Brazilian’s first start of the season after suffering with a tendon issue for most of the season.

He returned to the starting line-up after Antonio Conte switched back to a two-man midfield.

The right-winger was tasked with linking up with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in a similar manner to Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.

Moura is a very different type of player to his younger counterparts, but put in a decent performance.

He was substituted in the closing stages, allowing Emerson Royal and Bryan Gil to combine on the right.

Although Royal was criticised for a misplaced pass to the young Spaniard who impressed during his cameo.

Moura said after the match he wasn’t yet fully fit, but was ‘happy’ to be back involved from the start.

He’ll be disappointed that he couldn’t help his side quality for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

However, his recovery suggests he’ll be fine to play in their crucial tie against Marseille next week.

Moura admits he wasn’t fully fit last night

After the match, Moura reflected on his recovery from injury, and how it felt to be back playing again.

“It was a very, very difficult time for me,” Moura said.

“Two months out is not easy for me I love to play football and playing for Tottenham.

“To be out is difficult but we know sometimes it happens in our career. We just need to be strong in our mind.”

“Now I’m happy to be back. I feel good. I’m not 100% but I will reach my best level if I get more game time and play every game, coming from the bench or in the starting XI.

“This is the best way to be ready.

“I’m happy though, I feel good and my tendon is good now.”

The £23m winger has two years left on his deal at Spurs, and is one of the more experienced members of the squad.

Journalist Tom Barclay has previously reported how much he loves being at Tottenham, and how desperate he is to win a trophy at the club.

On current form, Spurs certainly don’t look like competing for silverware right now.

However, there’s plenty of time, especially after the World Cup, to turn that around.

Moura will be hoping he’s feeling 100% again soon, after he wasn’t fully fit yesterday.

Tottenham certainly need another attacker to find some form and support Harry Kane.