By Greg Stobart
Younes Kaboul is in line for a return to Tottenham’s first-team squad ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
The Frenchman has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery in August but played an hour in an Under-21 match against West Ham at Upton Park last week, and is set for a 90-minute run out for the club’s development side on Monday.
Provided Kaboul comes through the clash at Salford City stadium unscathed, Spurs officials are hopeful that the 27-year-old could then join up with the first team ahead of match against the champions at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Kaboul returned to full contact training at the end of March after his recovery was delayed by several months following the procedure.
The potential return of Kaboul is particularly timely for Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas after William Gallas was forced off during last Thursday’s Europa league exit to Basel with a calf strain.
Gallas, who underwent scans alongside Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon on Friday, is set to return within a fortnight.
Spurs U21 coach Chris Ramsey was delighted with Kaboul’s performance against West Ham, and spoke of the Frenchman’s desire to speed up his return to full fitness.
“He did well, had no problems really,” Ramsey told Sky Sports following Kaboul’s return. “He wanted to play an extra 15 minutes as well, showed a fantastic attitude and wanted to push his fitness a little more.
“Overall, when you look at the fact that a player like Younes returns to action after eight months out and the experience the younger lads gain playing alongside him, it’s another great exercise for us.”
Kaboul played a significant role in Tottenham’s campaign last season, making 33 Premier League appearances under Harry Redknapp as Spurs missed out on the top four.
