Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson has returned to training after recovering from a knee injury.
Dawson, 27, sprained the medial knee and ankle ligaments of his left leg playing for England against Bulgaria on 3 September.
But with his captain nearing a return, manager Harry Redknapp said: "It is great to have him back training."
Meanwhile, Ledley King is to see a specialist to discover if he needs surgery on his groin injury.
"He is off to see a specialist in Copenhagen and get a decision what needs doing next as to whether he feels he can carry on strengthening and trying to get fit without surgery," added Redknapp of King, who has only made seven appearances this campaign.
However, the news over Dawson will be a welcome boost for the Spurs boss, even though he has been impressed by how William Gallas and Younes Kaboul have performed lately at the heart of his defence.
Dawson helped Spurs finish fourth in the Premier League last season as Spurs qualified for the Champions League.
The former Nottingham Forest player was also called up to join England squad at the 2010 World Cup in the summer after Rio Ferdinand damaged his knee in training ahead of the tournament.
Dawson did not play in South Africa but made his England debut against Hungary in August and made five outings for Spurs before his progress was curtailed by the injury against Bulgaria on international duty.
"It's the first time he has been out with us [since the injury]," added Redknapp. "He's worked with the fitness coaches who have done a good job with him."
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