Harry Winks was a surprise selection in the Tottenham starting XI for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round clash against Southampton.
The midfielder limped off injured with an ankle problem in Wednesday night's 2-1 win over Norwich City and it appeared that he would join the likes of Harry Kane and Moussa Sissoko on the sidelines.
Jose Mourinho claimed after the game it would be weeks rather than months when he would be back in action for the Lilywhites, but nobody expected the England international to make such a swift return.
Winks, who has suffered a number of ankle injuries since April 2017, played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw on the south coast and he opened up on his ankle issues and the moment he realised the injury wasn't as bad as first feared.
"The next day really, said the midfielder when asked when he got the good news about the injury. "I've still had pain in my ankle for the last year or so and I can't catch a break as I keep rolling it and having problems with it.
"I'm learning to deal with it and getting through the pain. At the moment I'm in a good kind of form and playing a lot of matches, I don't want to stop that. The minute I felt I was able to train I told the team."
Asked if the problem would need correcting in the summer, he added: "No I don't think it's anything too serious.
"It's more of a recurring issue that hasn't really had time to settle and heal. It's nothing too serious.
"Anyone who has had issues will realise it's a bit of a nightmare to get over."
Winks has played alongside Giovani Lo Celso in midfield over the past few games and Tottenham fans are now starting to see exactly why he was brought to the club last summer.
The Argentina international has been key for the Lilywhites in recent weeks and his fellow midfielder has been full of praise for the loanee.
"He's a very good player," said Winks. "He's showing his qualities now and he's getting a run of games himself and he's contributing with some really nice moments and obviously some goals and assists.
"He's a top player which we knew anyway from seeing him in training."
