Apr. 09, 2010 - United Kingdom - Football - Tottenham Hotspur Training - Spurs Lodge - 9/4/10..Tottenham Hotspur's Aaron Lennon during training. Content © 2010 ZumaPress All rights reserved.

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One of the remarkable parts of Tottenam's run toward Champions League has been Spurs' ability to do it without Aaron Lennon.  The 23-year-old right winger has game breaking ability, and at the top of his groin injury, suffered earlier this season, he was the only Tottenham player with significant place coming from the midfield.  With the emergence of Gareth Bale, Harry Redknapp has another threat, and with the Welsh prospect able of manning Lennon's opposite wing, it is tantalizing to think of what Spurs can do what Lennon returns.

That return could be this weekend, as Lennon could be back on Harry's bench, if not outright feature.  His return would be a huge upgrade of David Bentley, currently manning the right flank for Spurs, and if Lennon can avoid breaking down, he will be a vital cog in Fabio Capello's set-up.

The right wing for England was once thought a position of depth, with Lennon competing for spots against Theo Walcott, David Beckham, James Milner and Shaun Wright-Phillips.  But then Lennon had a groin injury, Walcott missed significant time for Arsenal, Beckham's ankle broke, and Milner started playing more centrally for Aston Villa.  Though the Villan is almost assuredly going to South Africa, the right side still seemed thin as long as Wright-Phillips, a part-timer for Manchester City, remained in the picture.

A healthy Lennon solves those problems.  Unlike Walcott, he has shown he can play in the Premiership as more than an impact sub.  Walcott continues to improve (and get fit), but with Lennon, Capello has a more complete player, and while he does no possess Walcott's pace (who does), he adds a much-needed speed element to England's starting XI.

That all assumes Lennon can stay healthy and get into match shape.  This weekend is the start.  If he can resume playing, he will be a welcome addition as Spurs move toward their crucial end-of-season match against Manchester City.  After that, Lennon will have a month to find his fitness.

If he does, he will be one of England's more important players in South Africa.