King was taken off a minute before half-time against Portsmouth
Tottenham have been boosted by the news that captain Ledley King's hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared.
The defender had to be substituted in the first half of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Portsmouth because of the injury.
However, despite manager Harry Redknapp initially claiming the 28-year-old would be out "long term", scans have revealed a strain rather than a tear.
And there is also good news for striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who should make a swift recovery from an ankle knock.
The Russian frontman was stretchered off in agony following a challenge by Sean Davis, but the ankle is just bruised and he should be fit to face Burnley in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final second leg.
That comes as a welcome relief for Redknapp, who revealed that Aaron Lennon, Vedran Corluka and Heurelho Gomes were also struggling with fitness issues during Sunday's game.
"At half-time it was like the walking wounded," he said. "We showed great character. The goalkeeper was struggling from the start, but I had to play him because he's the best I have got."
King, 28, has missed nine matches this season because of injuries.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?