Tottenham midfielder Erik Lamela has vowed to return from his hip injury "stronger" than ever next season.
The Argentina international has not played since October's EFL Cup defeat to Liverpool but his efforts to return to fitness before the end of this season have ended in failure.
Lamela spent a brief spell in Rome in an attempt to overcome his troublesome injury but Spurs confirmed this afternoon that the 24-year-old's campaign is over as he is facing an operation to cure the problem.
Despite such a chastening setback, Lamela appears to be upbeat about his situation and has already set his sights on returning to action as an improved player.
Lamela wrote on his official Instagram page: "I have to have an operation. I tried everything to recover but unfortunately my hip is still not 100% so I can't compete at the level I want to.
"I'll face this challenge with a positive attitude and can't wait to get back with my team and be stronger.
"Thanks everyone for your support," he added.
Lamela will undergo surgery on Saturday, having sought the advice of a series of specialists to decide the best course of action.
The striker is currently sidelined with ankle ligament damage but is hopeful he can play a part in Tottenham's run-in as Mauricio Pochettino's side attempt to sign off for the season with silverware and a top-four finish.
The north Londoners currently occupy second place in the table and will play their second League fixture since Kane's injury when they travel to Burnley this weekend.
