Spurs star Erik Lamela is struggling to get over the death of his dog Simba

Simba's death

Tottenham star Erik Lamela hasn't played for the club since October due to a hip injury and fans are probably wondering when he's set to return. But it's not just the injury that has kept him out. Lamela has had a whirlwind few months. His recovery was hampered by the fact that he had to return to Argentina after his brother was seriously injured.

The Telegraph reports that he returned to England to find that his injury had only worsened.

A bigger blow was still to come. His beloved dog Simba passed away recently and this contributed to Lamela requesting to leave England to continue his recovery.

Mauricio Pochettino allowed him to head to Rome, the city he lived in when he played for AS Roma.

The good news

Lamela has recovered from his injury and is now building up his fitness again.

Pochettino is hoping that Lamela's time in Italy will help him get over recent setbacks.