Danny Rose is hopeful he will be able to play at least some part in Tottenham’s key matches this season after visiting a specialist on Thursday.

The England defender has taken longer than expected to recover from the medial knee ligament injury he sustained in the goalless draw at Sunderland on January 31, and has now had a further check on his progress.

The upshot is that both player and club believe Rose’s rehabilitation is on track and they expect him to return before the end of the campaign, possibly in time for the derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30.

Rose was one of Tottenham’s best players before his injury, providing attacking and defensive edge from both left-back and left wing-back. He is also likely to become a key member of Gareth Southgate’s England team when he returns from injury.

The perfect scenario for Tottenham would be to have both Rose and Harry Kane back in action for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on April 22, although this is thought to be a likelier prospect for Kane than it is for Rose.

Kane suffered ankle ligament damage in the quarter-final win over Millwall earlier this month but has now started running outside and unless he suffers a setback, will return to action in April.

If he progresses as anticipated, Kane has a strong chance of being included in the starting XI against Chelsea.

