Eric Dier has confirmed his recent issue with his thigh was actually the third time this season he has had a problem with the injury.
Starting in the New Year's Day win at Watford, Dier missed out in their following four games but returned in time to feature in Spurs' 2-0 defeat against Chelsea in their final fixture before the first international break of the season.
Spotted with strapping on his right thigh during the game at Stamford Bridge as he got through the 90 minutes, the England international was again forced to watch on from the sidelines once football resumed and Antonio Conte stressed a number of times about the importance of the 28-year-old to his side when speaking about his absence.
Finally able to recall him to the team on Saturday for Tottenham's trip to Manchester City, Dier demonstrated why he has been a huge miss for the side with a towering display to help Spurs clinch a famous 3-2 victory at the home of the champions.
Speaking after the game about his recent frustrations due to his thigh injury, the centre-back opened up on the importance of time and doing everything possible to remain fit.
"Very frustrating to not be able to take advantage of our winter break to take care of my thigh was very frustrating because I came back and started training again after that winter break," he told football.london.
"It caused me problems again so I took a bit more time this time given it's actually the third time it's happened this season, so I gave it a bit more time this time and hopefully that will benefit me and my thigh and hopefully that will be the end of it now.
"I'm doing everything possible to be able to be fit and obviously focusing on staying fit, longevity in this sport is very important and something I'm very focused on so I'm doing everything possible."
A player who has had his fair share of critics in the past, Conte told football.london back in December that his defender can become "one of the best players in the world" in his position in the middle of the back three.
Conte has waxed lyrical about the ex-Sporting CP man numerous times and hailed his organisational and leadership skills, something Dier believes is now coming to the forefront of his game.
"I think ever since I've arrived I've always tried to implement all the skills I think I have," he admitted. "I think that's definitely one of them. Maybe it's coming a bit to the forefront a bit more now.
"Obviously I'm really enjoying working under the manager and the confidence he's given me and I'm really enjoying the role and the way I'm playing in it.
"It's very important for me in that position to lead the defence as much as possible, lead the team as much as possible, be very vocal and organise well. I'm trying to do that to the best of my ability."
Dier is not the only Tottenham centre-back to have been missing in recent weeks as Cristian Romero only returned at the start of February following a three-month layoff due to the hamstring injury he sustained on international duty.
Rated extremely highly at the club and wowing everyone at the Etihad Stadium with a stunning defensive display, Dier is a big fan of his fellow centre-back.
"Cristian is a top player, a really good player and in every way I think he is adapting very well to the Premier League," said the long-serving player.
"Obviously he had a really bad injury so he's obviously coming back from that but everyone can see he's a fantastic player.
"He came on the back of already winning a Copa America for Argentina and being a standout player in Serie A.
"It's really enjoyable to play with him and he's a very good guy as well."
