Defoe has not played since 7 September

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has returned to training almost a month ahead of schedule.

The 28-year-old underwent ankle surgery after suffering ligament damage playing for England in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on 7 September.

He had been expected to be out for three months, but on Tuesday the forward trained with members of the Spurs squad not on international duty.

Last season Defoe was Spurs' top scorer with 24 goals in all competitions.

606: DEBATE You can see he has been badly missed AndyOneHotspur

Defoe's quick return is also a boost for England coach Fabio Capello, who is without a host of forwards for Wednesday's friendly against France.

On Monday Spurs confirmed that midfielder Tom Huddlestone is to undergo surgery on an ankle problem which will rule him out for three months.

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