Toby Alderweireld has completed two double training sessions with the Tottenham squad this week as he closes in on a return to first-team action.

The Belgian defender has not played since damaging a nerve in his knee during the 1-1 draw at West Brom on October 15, and Spurs have won only one of their nine matches in all competitions since.

Alderweireld is arguably Tottenham’s most important outfield player and they have desperately missed his influence in central defence.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino was encouraged, therefore, to see Alderweireld come through double sessions on Tuesday and yesterday with no initial ill effects.

Pochettino will continue to assess Alderweireld today as he prepares for Saturday’s home game against Swansea, but Spurs will be relieved that Alderweireld’s return is finally imminent.

With a rare clear week in which to prepare for Saturday, Pochettino scheduled the double sessions as he seeks to coax his side back to winning ways.