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Tuesday, May 21

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Moussa Dembele has revealed that his recent hip problem was the worst injury that he has suffered during his career.

The 25-year-old sustained the complaint while on international duty with Belgium in October.

Despite having now recovered and returned to the squad, Dembele has confessed that there were times throughout his rehabilitation where he struggled mentally.

"I've had this hip problem before but this time it has been worse than it ever was in the past," he told the London Evening Standard. ­"Normally I can rest for three or four days and it is okay but this time the pain was more intense and I needed a longer spell out.

"I've worked with a personal physio in Belgium and it requires a lot of exercises. When I first got the problem again, I was worried that I would have to have an operation but the medical staff at Tottenham were very good.

"We searched for the best doctors that there were to treat hip injuries and I was supported very well. I'm happy the club gave me the time and space I needed to be pain-free again.

"When I thought I would need an operation, it was a difficult time for me and I wasn't happy but, unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do about it. Luckily, I've now been given the all-clear to play by the doctors."

Dembele joined Spurs from London rivals Fulham in August of this year.