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Vertonghen returns to training, could play vs. Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur FC / Getty

Tottenham received a major boost ahead of this weekend's tilt against Chelsea as Jan Vertonghen has returned to full training ahead of schedule.

The Belgian defender was initially ruled out until December with a hamstring problem, but manager Mauricio Pochettino suggested his nine-game absence could come to an end on Saturday.

"It is very good news, he has been training with the group. We have to wait until tomorrow to see whether he can be involved," Pochettino said, according to Sky Sports.

"Jan is such an important player for us. We have a very busy period ahead so it's important to recover our players."

If he's unable to suit up at Wembley on Saturday, Vertonghen's next opportunity would come when his team travels to the Emirates Stadium to take on north London rivals Arsenal on Dec. 2.

News of Vertonghen's impending return comes at the right moment for Spurs as Pochettino also announced that defender Davinson Sanchez could be sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury.

Pochettino added that the club is also working on negotiating a contract with playmaker Christian Eriksen.

"He knows, and we know what we are doing," the gaffer said. "We are working so hard. The club is trying to take the best decision. Christian will take the best decision.

"I am not worried but I prefer he is going to sign a new contract and stay a long time with Tottenham."

Tottenham sit one point back of Chelsea in fourth place after collecting 27 points from their opening 12 matches.

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