Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Erik Lamela has returned to full training ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Stoke City.
The Argentine playmaker had been a regular in the Lilywhites side in the early part of the season, making 10 appearances across all competitions and scoring two goals in the process.
However, Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho revealed ahead of the Europa League win over Ludogorets last month that Lamela would miss the trip to Bulgaria.
"Lamela has a little problem for a few weeks and after the last match we decided it's the moment to stop and have this week, plus the two weeks of international, for him to recover fully," Mourinho said in his pre-match press conference.
But Lamela has been out for longer than planned.
The 28-year-old has missed 11 games across all competitions in a row - including wins over Manchester City and Arsenal plus the goalless draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
With that said, Lamela is close to making his return to first-team action in what will be a boost for Spurs and Mourinho ahead of the festive period which kicks off with Wednesday's cup tie.
Taking to social media on Monday afternoon, the midfielder uploaded an image of him from a training session at Hotspur Way ahead of the clash against the Potters.
"Finally I’m back with the team, "he wrote on Instagram. "Let's go."
Lamela's potential availability against Stoke will provide Mourinho with somewhat of a perfect scenario.
Gareth Bale, Lucas Moura, and Steven Bergwijn could all earn starts if the Spurs boss opts to rest Harry Kane and Son Heung-min with Sunday's Premier League clash against Wolves in mind.
Alternatively, Lamela could replace Giovani Lo Celso after his compatriot came off midway through the second half during the defeat by Leicester City.
