Tottenham Hotspur injury news: Clinton N'Jie eager to get back to playing after return to training
Clinton N'Jie is itching to get back on the pitch for Tottenham Hotspur after missing three months with a knee injury. The 22-year-old Cameroon international admitted he has struggled mentally during his time on the sidelines, but believes his return will give Mauricio Pochettino's attack a significant boost in the business end of the season.
N'Jie moved to White Hart Lane from Lyon to address the shortage of options Pochettino has upfront. He has started just two games in the Europa League, but showed glimpses of his potential in several substitute appearances in the Premier League, including an assist during the 4-1 win over Manchester City.
However, his integration to English football suffered a heavy setback after he picked up a serious knee injury in a win over Monaco in December. He was forced to undergo surgery, which has seen him miss the last three months.
But his comeback is edging closer after Spurs announced that the player has started fitness work once more. N'Jie refused to set a deadline for his return to action, but has indicated his desire to start playing as soon as humanly possible.
"I think it's important for me to come back and join the team because they're doing a great job," he said to Spurs' official website. "It's very difficult for any injured player – it's been about three months since I was injured and it's been tough but I've been working very, very hard with the doctors and medical staff to get myself fit.
"It's important that I'm still hungry, I still want to play and I still want to prove to the fans what I can do so, for me, I just want to get back fit and do a good job.
"Mentally it hasn't been easy but it happens, so I've just been looking forward to coming back stronger. I can see the good job the guys are doing and I can't wait to get back onto the pitch and be part of it."
N'Jie added that his teammates have been a great support during his time in the treatment room, with particular reference to Jan Vertonghen, who has shared time with him on the medical table.
"Since Jan got injured he's been there for me and trying to encourage me," N'Jie said. "He's in a similar situation to me but all the players have been really good and I really appreciate that.
"Not only the players – the gaffer, all the staff, everyone has been there to encourage me and to tell me that they want me to be back as fast as possible. That's been great encouragement for me to work harder towards my objectives."
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