Tottenham Injury Update: Hamstrung

Hamstrings are the problem, Spurs supporters. Michael Dawson and Gareth Bale's statuses have been in doubt after both were forced off injured with hamstring injuries against Fulham on the weekend. Well, we now know that each injury is not too substantial. Neither will play against Panathinaikos or in the weekend's match against Everton. However, Andre Villas-Boas addressed when both players will be back:

"Michael is making good progress, although it's early days," said Andre. "Ideally, he will be in contention for the Swansea game.

"We have to be a little more cautious with Gareth and wait and see, but hopefully he's not that bad. We might see him available for the Stoke game."

It seems likely that the defense will be Jan Vertonghen, Steven Caulker, William Gallas, and Kyle Walker in Dawson's absence, although Kyle Naughton could see time at left back as Vertonghen is moved back into the center.

Staff Writer Lennon's Eyebrow already discussed many of the options of how Bale will be replaced during his injury. Andros Townsend provides the most like-for-like replacement, and seems likely to start tomorrow at left wing in the Europa League.

However, after a strong showing against Fulham it seems Gylfi Sigurdsson could be the man to fill in, as Spurs move to a more narrow formation. Additionally, a return could be in play to 4-4-2, with Emmanuel Adebayor (now returned from suspension) pairing up top with Jermain Defoe as Clint Dempsey moves to the left wing.

Other good news comes on the long-term injury front. Scott Parker is nearing a return to the field, with the Swansea match earlier posited. Along with this, we have learned for the first time that left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto has now returned to first team training. With Spurs' form trending upwards in the league, this surge in health could further bolster the team.