Defoe returns for Spurs

Jermain Defoe returns to Tottenham's squad for Saturday's north London derby clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The England striker has been sidelined for just over two months following surgery on damaged ankle ligaments.

Defoe returned to training almost a month ahead of schedule and is available to face the Gunners.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said: "It's great to have him back.

"He's a fantastic goalscorer and he's different to anybody else.

"He certainly would've had six or seven goals by this stage of the season."

Tottenham have struggled for goals in Defoe's absence but Redknapp added: "The other lads - whoever's played - have done well.

"We've been lucky we've got good strikers."

There was mixed news on Redknapp's defensive injury woes, with Michael Dawson (ligament damage) set to take part in ball work for the first time but Ledley King still struggling with a groin problem.

The injury-blighted Jonathan Woodgate was making progress from his nightmare groin injury.

Redknapp said: "He's got to go through a 'pre-season' next week, if you like, a month of real intensive, hard work.

"If he can come through that okay then there's real light at the end of the tunnel for him, which would be great."