Erik Lamela says he is focused on his form for Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the World Cup in Russia this summer. The Argentina international returned from a serious injury in November that had kept him out of action for over a year and admits that whilst he hopes to be included in his country’s 23-man squad for the finals, his main aim is to get his career back on track. “Depending on what I can do with my club I’ll have more or less possibilities [of a recall],” Lamela told Reuters. “You’ve got to be strong, train and look ahead,” he continued.

“If I get called up that will be incredible and if not I just have to stay focused on my career and give my best.

“For me the national team is something incredible.

“It’s the most wonderful thing to play for my country.

“When I was involved it was unique, wearing your country’s colours has no price.”

Lamela’s has shown flashes of his best form over the past few months and drew plaudits for his display in the first leg of Spurs’ Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus earlier in February.

The 25-year-old’s only goal this term came in an FA Cup replay win over Newport County, whilst he has provided five assists for Tottenham in all competitions, three of which came in the Premier League.

With the likes of Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala and a host of others competing for attacking roles in the Argentina setup, Lamela has his work cut out to be involved.

Tottenham fans would point to his trickery with the ball at his feet and eye for a killer pass as reasons for his inclusion, but the winger has not featured at international level for over 18 months and never under current manager Jorge Sampaoli.

The temptation for the former Sevilla boss will be to turn to players he knows and trusts for the World Cup, meaning Lamela will have to put in some top performances to catch the eye.

It remains to be seen whether the ex-Roma star will be selected for any of Argentina’s pre-tournament friendlies and they could offer the best route to the main squad.

Nonetheless, his club’s supporters are just happy to see Lamela back playing after such a difficult period on the sidelines.