Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur is fit and available for Thursday's Premier League clash against Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has not been seen in a Lilywhites jersey since returning from the World Cup with a groin injury, which he sustained in Uruguay's Group H win over Ghana on December 2.
Bentancur has since missed Spurs' last five games in all tournaments, during which Conte's side have only taken five points from 12 on offer in the Premier League.
The former Juventus lynchpin was not risked for the North London derby defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, although Conte affirmed last week that he was "very close" to returning.
Speaking to reporters in Tuesday's press conference, Conte confirmed that Bentancur would be available to face the champions in what will be his first Tottenham appearance since November 12, where he scored a brace in a 4-3 win over Leeds United.
© Reuters
"Team news like I said after the game against Arsenal, Rodrigo Bentancur trained with us and he's available. He will be available for the game against City," football.london quotes Conte as saying.
Bentancur's return leaves Lucas Moura as Tottenham's only absentee for the trip to the Etihad Stadium, with the Brazilian - who will leave on a free transfer in the summer when his contract expires - still struggling with a tendon problem.
Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison both returned from injury for Sunday's 2-0 loss to Arsenal, but Spurs have been plagued by several physical problems throughout the campaign, much to the chagrin of Conte.
The Italian has criticised Tottenham's medical team in the past and believes that club doctors should be part of a wider media approach, which would also see the likes of Fabio Paratici and other high-ranking officials explain the "strategy" of the club.
"In England I think there's a bad habit that it's only the coach talks and explains. I've never seen the medical department coming here to explain. It's the same I've never seen the club or the sporting director coming here to explain the strategy of the club," Conte added.
© Reuters
"In Italy, before every game there's a person from the club that goes to speak to the media. I think for us it could be really really better, otherwise there is only one face to explain the situation that I think is better for the club to explain.
"It's habit and I respect this habit. In Italy it's different. Otherwise it means that only if the coach talks there can be misunderstanding. I think it could be good for the club to be present in the media.
"Not every week, but at least every 15 days or once a month. I think it could be more simple for you to understand and not always the same. Otherwise it can seem if something is a criticism or negative and it's not the case."
Conte is only under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until the end of the season, and there is growing uncertainty over whether the Premier League and Serie A title winner will sign a new deal in North London.
The Lilywhites travel to the champions sitting fifth in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who play their game in hand against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.
Ben Knapton
