Spurs could be handed a welcome Christmas boost as five first team players are expected to return to action before the end of December.

Tottenham's campaign so far has been marred by a lengthy injury list including players who were integral to the team's success last year.

But long-term absentees Younes Kaboul, Benoit Assou-Ekotto (both knee) and Scott Parker (achilles), as well as Gareth Bale (hamstring) and Michael Dawson (hamstring), are all set to return to action in the next few weeks.

Assou-Ekotto, Parker and Dawson could all be available for this Sunday's match at home to Swansea while Andre Villas-Boas is hopeful Bale will recover in time for the game as well.

Kaboul is slightly behind the other four but is expected to be only three weeks away from full fitness.

If all goes to plan the commanding centre half could be back for Tottenham's match away to Sunderland on Saturday, December 29.

The returning quintet means if Spurs stay clear of fresh concerns this month, Villas-Boas will have a full squad to choose from going into 2013.