Van der Vaart eyes up Arsenal return
February 21, 2012 13:32:02 UK
Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Rafael van der Vaart expects to have shrugged off a calf injury in time to feature in this weekend's North London derby against Arsenal.
The Dutchman has been sidelined since the 3-1 win at home to Wigan Athletic at the end of January, but expects to be back in full training on Wednesday and ready to face the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
I'll be happy to play Arsenal, I can't wait.
Rafael van der Vaart
Van der Vaart told his own personal website: "I'm recovering well from my injury.
"I expect to be joining the team training on Wednesday after which I will start to focus on the match against Arsenal. I'll be happy to play Arsenal, I can't wait."
Spurs are currently in third place in the Premier League table and ten points clear of the fourth-placed Gunners, with Harry Redknapp's men 1.10 to finish in the top four this season and 1001.00 to win the Premier League title.
However, Redknapp has several injury concerns ahead of the weekend derby, with former Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor having suffered a knee injury in training, while left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is a major doubt after groin surgery.
Croatia midfielder Luka Modric is expected to return after illness, but William Gallas (calf) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) remain on the sidelines.
Spurs are 3.00 to secure all three points in Sunday's derby, with the draw 3.30.
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