boss Andre Villas-Boas has admitted that midfielder Scott Parker has suffered a setback in his comeback from injury, and could well be on the sidelines until Christmas.
The England international played at Euro 2012 with a troublesome Achilles injury, and after the tournament the decision was made to operate and fix the problem once and for all.
However, as Parker looks to get back to fitness and step out for the White Hart Lane outfit, he taken longer than expected to return to training.
It was expected that the combative midfielder would return to action at the end of this month, but the Portuguese coach has revealed that this is very unlikely.
“It’s difficult for him as he still feels pain and is still disturbed in his recovery,” Villas-Boas told reporters, published in The Guardian.
“It prevents him from being on the pitch but he has been evolving inside, in the gym, with the medical department. We could be looking at Christmas, although hopefully less.”
Spurs have the likes of Moussa Dembele, Sandro, Jake Livermore and Tom Huddlestone to pick from in Parker’s absence.
Meanwhile, Villas-Boas also confirmed that left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto was making good progress and expects him to return to training in the next ten days.
The Cameroon international suffered a knee injury earlier in the season and has missed Spurs’ run of four straight victories in the Premier League of late.
Kyle Naughton and Jan Vertonghen have deputised for the injured African defender over the last month.
