Tottenham are hoping to have Toby Alderweireld available for selection for next Saturday’s derby against West Ham.
The Belgium defender has not played since damaging a nerve in his knee during the 1-1 draw at West Brom on October 15 – and Tottenham have not won a game in his absence.
While Spurs must assess how Alderweireld responds to training next week before making a call on his fitness, the 27-year-old is thought to be edging closer to a comeback – a huge boost for boss Mauricio Pochettino as he approaches a crucial week.
Spurs face West Ham on November 19 before a virtual must-win fixture at Monaco in the Champions League on November 22. They then take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on November 26.
Of their six games without Alderweireld, Tottenham drew four and lost two, with Eric Dier filling in alongside Jan Vertonghen before Pochettino switched to a three-man defence for the 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
Alderweireld is keen to resume his central-defensive partnership with Vertonghen, which is one of the best in the league.
“We know each other well, I feel like you can see that on the pitch. In games, it comes down to a second, and if you need to tell the other what he needs to look at, your opponent has already gone past you.”
(London Evening Standard)
