Tottenham Hotspur host Stoke City on Wednesday night in a bid to return to winning ways after a poor run of form that has seen them lose the last three Premier League games.
Defeats to Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton have left the North Londoners season in peril with the chance to not qualify for next year’s Champions League a real possibility.
With the events over the weekend, there was a chance that game wouldn’t go ahead, but the improvements in Fabrice Muamba’s condition following his cardiac arrest on Saturday evening means the encounter goes ahead.
Manager Harry Redknapp will be forced to field a team without Aaron Lennon, who is still recovering from a hamstring problem he picked up in the 3-1 win over Stevenage earlier this month.
“Aaron Lennon isn’t ready to play yet with his hamstring problem either, but it’s improving,” Redknapp said.
The veteran tactician may also be without striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is a doubt with a groin problem he suffered in the 1-0 defeat to Everton 10 days ago.
“Ade’s struggling. He’s not quite right and has to be doubtful,” he added.
“Other than that, we’re pretty much okay.”
Michael Dawson (knee and ankle) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) remain the only long-term absentees, while Ledley King is expected to be rested ahead of the weekend encounter with Chelsea.
Possible starting XI
Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Van der Vaart, Modric, Parker, Bale; Saha, Defoe
