Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has claimed that Erik Lamela was acquired for the "long-term" after the £30m signing was ruled out for six weeks for a back problem.

The winger has made just three Premier League appearances since his club-record move from Roma last summer, but Sherwood believes that the winger will eventually establish himself as a key member of Spurs' squad.

"We signed him for the long-term and we are sure that in the end he will come good for Tottenham and be a crowd favourite here," Sherwood told reporters.

"It is difficult to adapt to a different country, a different league and a different language but when you are suffering these niggles - and it's something more than minor at the moment - it is disappointing for the lad.

"We are all big fans of him when we see him in training, it is difficult to adjust to a different style of play and a different language, I'm sure Erik will pick it up and by the time he's fit he will be fluent."

Spurs are currently fifth in the division.