Spurs’ Clinton N’Jie is Close to Full Fitness
Clinton N’Jie set for return to Spurs squad after resuming light training.
A familiar face has returned to light training recently, which could help add to Spurs’ attack. The person in question is 22-year-old Clinton N’Jie, who has been recovering from MCL surgery since last December.
After making the switch from Olympique Lyonnais last summer in a £12 million transfer, the Cameroon international has made 11 substitute appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, plus two starts in the Europa League. His last appearance with Spurs came in a 4-1 home victory over Monaco wherein he suffered his injury.
Related Story: Can Clinton N'Jie Become a Starter for Spurs?
When N’Jie was healthy, he provided Spurs with plenty of pace coming down the right flank. Along with his speed, the 22-year-old showed that he can be effective as an impact sub when he came on late during a blowout win over Manchester City.
The game was already in Spurs’ favor at 3-1, but with 13 minutes left, the Cameroon winger came on and instantly set up Tottenham’s fourth and final goal, notching an assist on Érik Lamela’s tap-in. It was only assist of the season, but it helps paint a picture as to what Clinton N’Jie is capable of and what he can bring to the table when he returns.
Spurs aren’t lacking in the goal scoring department as they’ve had good production from Son Heung-Min, who has five goals, Dele Alli, Nacer Chadli and Christian Eriksen, who each have seven, and Lamela, who has nine goals in all competitions.
That being said, adding another threat on the wings wouldn’t hurt and because Son and Chadli have recently been getting playing time to go along with Érik Lamela, it’s only a matter of time before N’Jie resumes his spot as a rotation player to help change games as an impact sub.
And now that the club has enjoyed plenty of success this season and he’s close to returning, Clinton N’Jie is hungry to come back and help the team, as he told Spurs’ official website.
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
“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.”
At the same time though, the road to recovery has been difficult for him — it always is for injured players — but he has persevered through it all.
“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.”
“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 also helps to get the backing of his teammates (especially Jan Vertonghen), the medical staff and Mauricio Pochettino who all want him back as soon as possible.
That kind of confidence in N’Jie surely will be a good motivational step to perform once he’s fully fit and ready to contribute once again.
“Since Jan got injured he’s been there for me and trying to encourage me. 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.”
Next: Tottenham and Harry Winks Agree on New Deal
Once Clinton N’Jie returns, not only will the Cameroon international provide another dimension in Spurs’ attack, but he’ll be a fifth option to use out wide along with Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-Min and Érik Lamela.
If need be, N’Jie can also play up top as a striker, as we saw in his two starts in the Europa League this season, when he player as a number 9. Tottenham are well covered at striker with Chadli, Son and N’Jie able to play in place of a rested Harry Kane. Not to mention a potential deal with West Brom for Saido Berahino.