'I'm gradually getting back': Tottenham's £15.9m admits he working hard behind the scenes to rediscover form

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur says he 'feels really good' about himself almost a year on after he suffered a massive knee injury that kept him out for large parts of last season. The 25-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Leicester City in February 2023 and despite fighting his way back hasn't rediscovered his devastating form that helped Spurs to qualify for the Champions League under Antonio Conte. 

He is quoted by Football.London and the club's programme note ahead of their game against Wolves: "I feel really good about myself. For the game at Manchester United, I went into it feeling in great shape, physically. But then we had a fortnight without any game, so really from a match-fitness point of view, I found it a little bit tough to then come back."

When in-form Bentancur who Spurs signed for  £15.9m - which could rise by £5m - on a deal until 2026 is without doubt one of the best midfielders at the club. He admits to feeling better and working to rediscover his hot form.

He added: "I do believe that I'm gradually getting back to my pre-injury form. I realise I'm still just a little bit off that right now, but I was out of action for over nine, almost 10 months, between the two injuries, and that really is a long time.

"I have to just be calm, keep working hard and training like l have been and then it won't be long before I'm back at my usual level once again.

"It was a long recovery. I think on the second or third day, it dawned on me how long I'd be out for. I was with my girlfriend, and I think that was the only day where I had to leave the room to go and cry. But I had the support of my family, my loved ones and friends and the support of the club, my teammates, and the coaching staff throughout which helped me a lot.

"I have had a resilient personality all my life, but the injury has matured me mentally as well, both professionally and in my daily life, and now I take things very positively."

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Spurs will need him back to his best and quick after their quest to finish in a Champions League spot took a big hit following a 2-1 home defeat to Wolves last weekend. They will need a response against Crystal Palace next week.