Source: Daily_Mail
Gonzalo Higuain ready to make up for lost time against Spurs
Good to be back: Real Madrid striker Higuain[LNB]Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is thrilled to be back at Jose Mourinho's disposal at such a key stage of the season after defying expectations in his rapid recovery from back surgery. [LNB]Sidelined since November with a herniated disc that required an operation in January, it was originally believed that Higuain would be out until May and some doubted if he would be able to play again this campaign. [LNB]However, the Argentina international made his comeback in Saturday's home clash with Sporting Gijon and has been included in a 19-man squad for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Tottenham - Madrid having reached this stage of the competition for the first time since 2004.[LNB] The return of Higuain, who was Madrid's leading scorer in the last two La Liga seasons and had netted seven times in 12 games this term before his injury, is a huge boost for the Spanish giants as they chase honours on three fronts, and the 23-year-old is delighted to be back in time to aid their Champions League campaign. [LNB]'It's a great pleasure to be in the quarter-finals with this team - more so after the injury I had where I didn't know when I would be able to return,' he said. [LNB]'To be back at this stage and be able to help the team is very important. Many people said I wouldn't return this season. I heard many opinions. I tried to recover as soon as possible in order to return before the end of the season. Thanks to God I'm here. [LNB]'It proved that statistics aren't everything. I'm ready to help the team and I will have to take it step by step as I get back to form.'[LNB] It's good to talk: Higuain and Real boss Mourinho give a press conference ahead of facing Tottenham[LNB]Higuain did not have such a happy return to action against Sporting, with Madrid suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to see their 25-match winning streak at the Bernabeu come to an end. [LNB]It also saw the end of Mourinho's remarkable nine-year run without suffering a home league defeat as coach. [LNB]Former River Plate man Higuain will be hoping for better against Spurs, though, as Madrid look to take a step closer to winning a record 10th European Cup title. [LNB]'The Sporting game is in the past. Now we are fighting for the Champions League and we will try to do everything we can to win it,' he said. [LNB]'This is a huge challenge for all of us, being at this stage of the Champions League is a big responsibility and my objective now is to help my team get through in this great competition. [LNB]'We will be looking to play a great match and to win against Spurs and then defend that result in England.'[LNB] Jamie Carragher's Champions League dossier on Spurs v Real MadridFlashback to 1985... what happened in the last Spurs v Real Madrid showdownFour big ties to cheer Tottenham ahead of the clash with Real MadridBale v Ronaldo: The Welsh wizard faces up to the ultimate Galactico [LNB] Explore more:People: Jose Mourinho Places: Madrid, Argentina, United Kingdom
