Mousa Dembele looking to return for Tottenham in key clash

4 February 2014

Mousa Dembele was hoping to return to training this week as he targets a return to the Tottenham team for Sunday’s game against Everton.

The Belgian midfielder missed last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Hull after picking up a knock to his ankle during the 5-1 defeat by Manchester City at White Hart Lane in the previous round of matches.

But Spurs are optimistic that Dembele, 26, will be able to work again with his team-mates this week and thereafter make himself available for the meeting with Roberto Martinez’s team, which has the potential to be an important moment in the race for a place in next season’s Champions League.

Dembele is a key part of Tim Sherwood’s plans for the remainder of the campaign and the head coach will be hopeful that, with players starting to return from injury, his team can make a sustained push for a top-four finish.

Both defender Jan Vertonghen and midfielder Paulinho were included in the starting XI at Hull, while Younes Kaboul was named among the substitutes. In the coming weeks, Sherwood is also confident that midfielder Sandro and winger Andros Townsend will regain fitness.

Vertonghen’s return at the back is of particular importance, given his excellent form since moving to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2012.

The Belgium international said: “We have to bounce back next week in an important game against Everton. We have to be ready for that.

“I want to finish the season strongly now. Hull was my first game in two months, I don’t suppose you can expect to win everything and play every ball to the right player in the first game, but I’m back and getting stronger.”