The defender, who has been instrumental for Spurs in recent seasons, has been missing since suffering an achilles injury in August, and has featured in only two of Tottenham’s Barclays Premier League matches this term as a result.
Tottenham have been struck by injuries, particularly in the centre of defence, most recently losing William Gallas in the fixture of Tuesday 3rd January 2012. They have also had to contend with the on-going knee problems of the excellent-when-fit Ledley King.
Dawson had established himself as captain of the club prior to his injury, he returns at a time when Tottenham are otherwise in rude health: the club are third in the Barclays Premier League.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp told the club website:
“Michael will play on Saturday,”
“It will be his first game back. Hopefully he’ll be fit.”
Aaron Lennon, who has been missing since suffering a hamstring injury on 18 December, may also be fit for this weekend’s FA Cup fixture. It seems likely Lennon will not start this weekend, though he may well feature as a substitute – according to Harry Redknapp:
“Aaron could be fit. He’s training and we’d like to get a game into him if we can.”
Tottenham Hotspur are to play Cheltenham of NPower League Two (the bottom rung – or fourth division – of the Football League) this Saturday, 7th January 2012, in the Third Round of the FA Cup. The match kicks-off at 15:00 GMT.
