Michael Dawson has suffered a slight set-back in his recovery from an achilles problem.

The Tottenham defender has been out since August with the injury he suffered in training as was expected to return in November.

However, the former Nottingham Forest centre-back suffered from pain in the affected area last week after attempting to step up his recovery.

“I was outside running earlier in the week but the Achilles was still a little sore, so I’ve had to take a step back and concentrate on working in the gym,” Dawson told the club’s official website.

“The physios aren’t too worried as I’ve been in a protective boot for a couple of weeks and I need to strengthen it up.

“I’m obviously a little down, but you never know with injuries and rehab, so we’ll wait and see.

“I’ll have a weekend’s rest now and then it will be back to it next week. It’s so disappointing to be injured and I was with Tom Huddlestone in the gym this week, he’s also out and it’s a hard time for a footballer, it’s the side of the game people don’t see.

“As I said before, footballers tend to take for granted being fit, I certainly do, but you soon realise when you are injured how lucky you are to be out there playing week in, week out.

“You just have to keep working hard and your body will be ready when it’s ready.”

Meanwhile, Huddlestone underwent successful surgery on an ankle problem and is expected to be re-assessed on the injury within the next six weeks.

“Tom Huddlestone has today (Friday) undergone a surgical procedure to his right ankle,” Tottenham said in a statement on their official website.

“The midfielder will be further assessed by the specialist in six weeks’ time, after which a timeframe for a return to training will be determined.”

Huddlestone hasn’t made an appearance for Spurs since the 5-1 defeat to Manchester City back in August.