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Érik Lamela will not be available to face Brentford in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, José Mourinho said. The Tottenham winger was one of three club players who violated level 4 coronavirus regulations over the Christmas period.
A photo of Lamela at a house party with Sergio Reguilón and Giovani Lo Celso, along with 12 other adults, including West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini, appeared ahead of Saturday’s 3-0 win over Leeds. Lamela was left off campus without explanation. Reguilón was an unused substitute, while Lo Celso had been ruled out with a hamstring injury that will sideline him for most of January.
Mourinho expressed his disappointment with the trio after the game and lamented that “all clubs do their best for their players to keep everyone safe, but then there are moments in private life that cannot be controlled.” Now Mourinho, again without explanation, has said that Lamela will not participate in Brentford’s visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “Not available,” the manager said dryly.
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Lamela had appeared as a substitute in the Spurs’ two games before Leeds, at Stoke in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and at the Wolves in the league, having recovered from an injury of nearly two months.
Mourinho was pressed on why Lamela was unavailable. “It’s not up to me to tell you,” he replied. “I’m just telling you that he can’t play against Brentford.”
Lamela has apologized for her behavior. “I want to apologize for a decision I made over Christmas and I deeply regret it,” he said. Reflecting, I understand the seriousness of my actions and the impact they have on others. I am truly grateful to everyone who works hard to keep us safe and I am ashamed to know that I have let people down. “
